The Byler Ratchet

The Most basic Pattern

The Byler Ratchet is a simple system for whole body learning of complex systems that can systematically be expanded indefinitely in pursuit of the path to mastery. It can be applied to learning or creating any complex pursuit.

The Byler Ratchet’s most important value is its systematic development of integrated thinking to the point of improvisation. We are talking about setting up for creativity here. Integrating this learning tool with two other tools of integrative thought, ‘Thinking In Principle’ and ‘The Art of Questioning’ produces an astounding multiple leveraging system in the toolbox of our minds. Large numbers of other integrative tools may be gradually developed to integrate for use in any system of thought and accompanying skill sets you are learning or creating.

Sounds heavy, but we are starting with the simplest and most enjoyable basic demonstration that I have been able to devise. Let’s start with a warm-up exercise similar to what you have already played with and talk about it some as we go. Here is a pattern that is simpler than some you have already done.

We will start with just a straight line pattern. We are working on understanding the cumulative learning process, not any skill other than the ones we are using to demonstrate one valuable way the mind can work. We are looking at how we can integrate and automate skills and mental sets habitually into the subconscious.

Remember we first made a habit out of drawing lines by setting a specific intent then clearing our mind and doing it naturally. The intent was essentially a target. The point of that exercise was and still is to form the habit of being sure that you have a clear intent before you take action. Start and stop the first line anywhere you like and continue to do so with each subsequent line.

We serially repeated this with variation by tracing a pattern while continuing to repeat the principle of clear intent and just doing it. We are also including the step of making a choice about where to continue next. As we shift focus to the new intention of making a choice, our conscious mind has to gradually relinquish control of the setting of the first intent to the subconscious and muscle memory. As we focus on the second intent the first intent is becoming an automatic habit, but we can’t forget about it or we will lose it as we integrate more and more new intentions for simultaneous control.

As we become comfortable with this combination we instinctively take on another third intention. We begin to scan the pattern to keep an orientation of what choices will be coming up. This third intention becomes our focus as our subconscious controls the integration of the first two intentions and adjusts for inclusion of the new scanning skill.

We set other criteria for inclusion as a fourth intention for simultaneous execution. This is to try to trace all of the lines in the pattern without any lines getting to weak. Now it begins to get challenging. There is a strategic or planning element now included which uses the executive function in the front of the brain. All of the previous intentions/habits must be maintained to keep the flow going. It is OK to stop and regroup but there is a natural urge to create a continuous even flow.

This continuous flow intention becomes a fifth intention to integrate into our ensemble of intentions while maintaining all previous intentions working smoothly together. You will start to notice that the integration of a new element into the ensemble will slightly disrupt the flow. Your brain is creating interactive patterns of circuitry for memory and control. Each new intention must integrate with all previous habits that are forming in order to achieve a satisfying flow. This requires slight adjustment by all. As the adjustments are made the flow will begin to return.

The reason we take on new intentions (challenges) as soon as the previous ones start to become comfortable is to prevent the old ones from ‘locking in” too rigidly. We need some flexibility to allow for continuous adjustment during future integration. We reinforce and refine the integrated learning by 'returning to the basics' periodically. Each expanded integration of new challenges must mentally maintain the equivalent of a 'sailors loose kneed walk' that adjusts for any unexpected movement of the ship's deck.

This is counter to traditional rote memorization approaches to learning where 2+2=4 and we are not going to consider the endless variations in the apples. In the Arts, Sports and other whole self learning challenges we form broad cultural and personal groupings of intentions, but the available variations and combinations are endless.

This is a potentially endless rinse and repeat process within any area of interest. Another way of saying this is that: Thinking in principle, this is a pattern of principles (or an ensemble) that is transferable for use in any complex, multi variable endeavor.

As long as we maintain the pattern of integration as we grow The Byler Ratchet can be expanded to encompass more and more useful complexity. As our toolbox accumulates more and more integratable tools we will begin to create very nice visual communication.

Chuck

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The Byler Ratchet

The Most basic Pattern