FairJewelry.Org Exclusive: Application of Quantum Entanglement by Gary Dawson
Jewelry Designer, Retailer, Writer and Speaker Gary Dawson informally discusses Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings on mindfulness and the power of “Conscious Intent.”
Gary Dawson
I have pretty much always practiced a level of conscious intent in my work to make meaningful objects. Part of this involves good listening skills. I seem to be able to rapidly pick up on the cues that my clients give me in terms of direction of design.
Some of my clients come with real specific ideas, but a significant percentage come knowing that they want something special but don’t even have a vague idea of what something special might look like for them. Over the years I developed a language and process to make people feel at ease sharing their thoughts about their relationship and sometimes sharing a special theme or moment in their courtship. Almost every couple has something special between them, whether it’s riding bicycles together or some silly phrase that conveys their unique intimacy.
But recently, within my ongoing process of self-discovery, I have been reading more into Buddhist philosophy, particularly some of Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings on mindfulness. Somewhere along the line I connected those writings with something I had remembered hearing about or reading referencing some experiments done with what was termed “conscious intent. ” Upon further investigation ran upon a study done by Glen Rein titled, “Effect of Conscious Intention on Human DNA.”
I pondered these things for a while and soon began using some of this new language while in design consultation with clients. The challenge for me, which seems to really not be much of an issue, after some practice, was to present these ideas without either intimidating or putting off my clients with too much “woo-woo” factor. I have always maintained a pretty down-to-earth atmosphere in my shop, never putting on airs as some do to impress potential clients.
So now when consulting with clients, I just continue do my normal thing, and if/when the timing seems right I jump in with a brief comment about how I like to bring conscious intention into my work. If they are keen to the idea, I explain further.
Client involvement varies, as does the process, but one way that I have used quite successfully to get the client/s to participate is to have them generate a short list of words, phrases, or ideas that are meaningful within the context of their relationship. These I keep visible on my wax or metal bench as I’m working on their design, and I try to hold these things in my mind while working on their stuff.
If I mentally wander away, I try to gently bring my mind back to the conscious intent behind the piece. I’m not fanatical about it because I think just having made the effort and having those thoughts of my clients “in the atmosphere” while I’m working may have some effect.
The reception to this process has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only do my clients feel pretty special and even more involved in the creation of their items, I feel better for having a language to express to them how we can work together to make their finished objects more meaningful.
