2024.02.11 Enigma. Summer. by Hearing Beings published on 2024-02-22T23:29:26Z The word 'enigma' is derived from the Ancient Greek αἴνιγμα (ainigma), 'a dark or obscure saying, a riddle'; and αἴνιγμα λύειν (ainigma luein) means 'to solve [literally, to unravel] a riddle'. Herein is a 'theme' (θέμα) followed by four temporal transformations or metamorphoses (μεταμορφώσεις). There are two levels to the 'enigma', however: a more obvious and superficial one, and a more profound and philosophical one. The more profound enigma has to do with the relationship between consciousness and time (or, more accurately, the experience of time); and with the idea of 'the (d)evolution of consciousness'. For instance: is 'slowing down the experience of time' equivalent to 'speeding up the neural processing of temporal experiences'? Does a smaller and simpler neural system that is capable of processing perceptual experience result in a more detailed - because more extended or protracted - temporal experience? (In other words, does faster processing result in a slower, more extended and expansive and richer time experience?) Whereas, on the contrary, a larger and more complex neural system necessarily results, by default, in a less detailed because more contracted temporal experience? (In other words, does slower, more complex processing result in a faster, more contracted and less rich time experience?) A creature with a complex, larger neural system may be disadvantaged in making not only very rapid decisions but also in making profound long-term decisions because it experiences 'time' as passing 'too quickly'. It may not experience 'time' deeply and extensively enough to recognise and respond adequately and appropriately to the deeper structure and interrelationships of events, let alone to perceive and comprehend the longer-term consequences of its choices and actions. ... Unless it can find a method of 'slowing down' (its experience and comprehension of) time. Anyway, at the end of the day, this is primarily a piece of sound art and sound meditation. I hope there may be some who have or can find or can make the time to listen to and enjoy it, and who can find some inner benefit from the experience of taking the time to listen deeply and slowly to it. And reflecting upon it. Genre Field Recording (Experimental)