12/18/10 - Green People

I wondered if this was projection, an uncanny coincidence, or simply the force of critical mass and energetic convergence. The day I went by myself on the tram I saw the most amount of green on people’s faces than I had seen anywhere else: various shades from conifer green, to grass green, to lemon grass green, to lime, and various intermingling of yellows and whites. All I heard was the shout, directionality, and hardness of the German language spoken everywhere around me. With this sound and color I started perceiving the eyes of the green inhabitants as stern, pointed, direct, and in some cases, visibly angry. Even their smiles could not belie their eyes.

I started seeing the presence of the phrase that Germany is very well known for: “Ordnung” which is the German word for order, arrangement, organization, or system. The rules of this organization and order are generally unwritten but they define the very essence of part of German identity, work ethic and ideals. It is believed that ordnung generates a sense of peace, contentment, equality, and unity and binds people together towards a common purpose.

Everything here operates on time, is maintained on time, and can be relied upon. People perform their prescribed roles and stay in line. There is little time or room for complaining. I found this present in every role I found people doing. The people working in the shops carry the same sense of self-respect or esteem as the janitors, waitresses, tour guides, garbage collectors, train operators, or business men. Everyone has a role that is vital to the system working. I’d hate to see what would happen if someone decided to go against that system. I have a feeling that I already felt that – you’re simply ignored, swept past and shunned.

There is a strong energy of “this is just how things are done” that permeate the place and give you a sense that you have to observe and watch how it’s done, as no one will explain it to you.

I had a conversation with a American from Boston who’d lived in Heidelberg for 12 years. We met at a café and started talking. He clued me into a little about German politics. He said “The Germans have a great sense of organization, and are socialists in many ways. They want to make sure that everyone is taken care of. Because of this they create very complicated legislation. The biggest criticism that the German people have of their government is that they are overly cautious, over think every decision, are completely indecisive and stagnant”.

I found this a fascinating confirmation of the predominance of Wood Color, Sound, Odor, and Emotion (CSOE) I was getting from the City’s residents and the general energetics of this place in contrast to the Metal and Earth CSOE most present in Washington, DC.