layered

The perfection of multiplication means we can be as versatile as possible.

taken by Lebrity

The inner workings of our decisions are layered, from what to wear, to why we choose eggs instead of oats. Every habit you attach yourself to is layered. First, there are the reasons you created the habit. Second, what you believe it helps you with (most people separate these). Third, the feeling of the habit, I feel 70–80% good about mine, but that’s because I have my own perception of what is normal to me. Fourth, the opinions you listen to about your habit: whose voices you allow in, and whose you don’t. And finally, yourself. Are you disciplined with your habits? Can you say no when you hear yes?

The red button test shows that men tend to press it more—thrill of the risk, or simply tired of waiting in a room with temptation in front of them? Women hesitate, running surveys in their minds of why they shouldn’t press it, even though they want to. Uncertain whether uncertainty is worth exploring. Their balance of habits is layered in cycles of questioning, accepting, risking, over and over again. The plot continues to thicken even when you’re not actively writing the script. That’s how layered you are.

This makes me think of the chapter Look Inward from The Creative Act. The author describes a layered experience of awareness: “When we go inside, we are processing what’s going on outside.”

Think of the layering of traditional attire: each piece of clothing is a layer of meaning, from patterned symbols to grass-ruffle skirts. The variety in the clothing makes it appealing to the eye, as if you can catch the meaning as the garment moves. Looking at your inner and outer reasons to dress and show up for yourself is layered, in honesty of who you are, through the echoes of societal judgment. Black is your favorite color.

Designers explore body shape because there are levels to body standards. The outrageous, “weird” designers experiment with exposing judgment as a fault of those who thought comparing body types made more sense than making a corset breathable. Minimalist designers look at the beauty of layering, from the elegance of the drape to the connection to the designer. Their softness tends to look like a sensual poem, read on stage before a live audience. You see it in fashion shows: the reactions to garments as they walk down the runway, exposing the meanings of each look, the comfort of each model as they fashionably embody the garments.

voice note from xilu:

"It’s just so crazy how every title in this world has subcategories and subtitles that explain what the main title is. It becomes an amalgamation of almost everything in life, but then it condenses into one title. And because it becomes one title, it remains absolute as one standing truth, different from many other truths, yet created from multiple truths when you break it down. Oh my gosh, did you just get what I said? I hope so."