Metaphysics and Spreadsheets

You might be wondering what metaphysics has to do with spreadsheets. Well in my case, it helps me keep track of my metaphysical classes. I first used this technique to document all of the data extracts and reports that I was doing for my client when I was a consultant. IT organizations have very formal methods of documenting all of the processing. They even have technical writers on staff to follow standard protocol procedures to provide this documentation. This is to make sure that not only is all of the processing is documented, but that it is repeatable. As a staff of one, I didn’t have time to follow their guidelines, but at the same time, I needed to stay on top of the constant requests. So, I developed a spreadsheet with the columns that had all of the information that I needed. I also wrote programs that were easy to read, supplemented with internal documentation, and structured so as to avoid the chaos from what is known as “spaghetti code”. In the spreadsheet I had columns that had the name of the report, the data sources, the columns in the report, the location of the source code, the frequency of the report as to whether it was monthly, weekly, daily, or ad hoc, who the reports were for, and all of the other pertinent data about each report. This made it possible to have all of the information about every report in a small compact spreadsheet versus having volumes of Microsoft Word documents. I could also take advantage of the features of Microsoft Excel like using filters on the columns to immediately find any info for specific reports or data extracts. The comprehensive list in the spreadsheet also showed the value that I provided to the company. With this method, it was also very easy to transition all of the processing to someone else when I retired.

After retirement, I began taking metaphysical classes that sparked my curiosity when some events occurred that I was not able to explain logically. In some of the classes, notes were handed out and we were able to make recordings of the class. For the ongoing classes, folders were also given with the notes. There is a lot of knowledge and wisdom that was given in these classes. So, I started labeling the folders and stored them in chronological order. If there were one day classes during the time period of an ongoing class, I put those notes in the folder of the ongoing class that was during the same time period and labeled one side with the name of the ongoing class and the other side with the onetime classes. Here is an example.

I loaded the recordings into my iTunes library and so by either using “Albums” or “Recently Added”, I can easily find the recording to a particular class. When I added the recording to my library, I put the name of the class as the album and the teacher’s name as the artist.

Then I used my documentation technique to catalogue all of my classes in a spreadsheet. Below is the top part of the list sorted by year and start date.

Then by using the filters on the columns and choosing “Topic”, I could look at which classes pertained to a particular topic.

In the example below I selected “Color”.

So, then I can find the notes within a few minutes for all the classes relating to “Color” and I can listen to the recordings and follow along with the notes.

I used my creativity to make sure that all of the wisdom and knowledge about metaphysics from these classes is not lost. I also learned in my classes that decluttering and keeping everything organized is a powerful tool for promoting spiritual growth and helping us to connect with Spirit. This technique enables me to do that.