In this essay and the next, I introduce a diverse set of strategies and tactics which I believe provide a viable alternative to Serenity as a way in which to cope with pressing VUCA-Plus issues. This set of strategies and tools centers on focusing one’s energy and engagement on the Essence of each VUCA-Plus issue. I begin this essay by drawing an important distinction between Essence and Essential. I then offer a reflection on the nature of Essence itself and then turn to the ways in which Volatility is transformed to the recognition of patterns, uncertainty is transformed to the maintenance of patterns, complexity is transformed to emergent self-organization, and ambiguity is transformed to Illumination. We find the Essence of life successfully lived in a VUCA-Plus world through a sustained focus on patterns, self-organization and illumination.
Essence vs. Essential
Before delving more deeply into the meaning and dynamics of Essence and the Lens of Essence, I wish to offer a more detailed description of the distinction to be drawn between the two key concepts in this series of essay: Essence and Essential. While these two terms have the same philological origins (Latin: essentia) and are often used interchangeable I wish to distinguish between them. In drawing the distinction, I first offer some of the words used in dictionaries when defining each term. The word Essential is used to designate something that is of utmost importance, something basic, something necessary, indispensable, or unavoidable. That which is Essential is important to the highest degree—it is necessary!
The word Essence is used when describing the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something—especially something abstract or elusive. The Essence of something determines its character. It is a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is. At a whole other level, Essence refers to an extract or concentrate obtained from a particular plant or other matter and used for flavoring or scent. I would suggest that these two meanings of the word “Essence” are actually not that far apart. Both uses of this word refer to setting aside the peripheral and finding that which is pure, clear and in some sense unified and coherent.
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