This quote is an exploration of the dual nature of human consciousness, drawing on concepts from shamanic traditions. The terms “tonal” and “nagual” are borrowed from the spiritual philosophy of the Yaqui Indians of Mexico. The “tonal” represents the rational, logical, and structured aspects of our consciousness – the part that deals with everyday reality, practical matters, and societal norms. The “nagual”, on the other hand, represents the intuitive, mystical, and unstructured aspects of our consciousness – the part that connects with the spiritual or metaphysical realm, and perceives realities beyond the ordinary.
In the context of the quote, the speaker is examining each student to see if there is a balance between these two aspects of consciousness. A balance between the tonal and the nagual is crucial for a holistic understanding and experience of life. Too much emphasis on the tonal could lead to a rigid, mechanical existence devoid of wonder and spirituality. Conversely, an overemphasis on the nagual could result in a lack of grounding, making it difficult to function effectively in the world.
Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see a strong bias towards the “tonal” in modern societies. Our education systems, workplaces, and even our social structures are heavily oriented towards rationality, logic, and structure. While these are undoubtedly important, the neglect of the “nagual” – the intuitive, mystical, and unstructured – can lead to a lack of creativity, spiritual fulfillment, and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of cultivating both aspects of our consciousness. This could mean balancing our logical, rational thinking with practices that nurture our intuition and spirituality, like meditation, art, music, or spending time in nature. It also implies recognizing and honoring the value of different ways of knowing and experiencing the world – not just the rational and structured, but also the intuitive and mystical.
