The structure of creative intention and the hierarchical concurrency in projection is a fascinating subject, revealing deep insights about the things that we do.
In metapsychology, hierarchical concurrency refers to the simultaneous operation of multiple levels of intention within structured projection. This framework encompasses principles, policies, purposes, plans, and projects, each influencing and reinforcing the others.
Projection is the extension of intention into objective reality. Hierarchical concurrency allows individuals to engage across various layers of intention concurrently, ensuring that actions at lower levels align with higher-level intentions.
When all levels of the hierarchy align, actualisation occurs—this is the point at which intention is fully realised in action, with every layer supporting and reinforcing the others.
The Hierarchical Structure of Creative Intention
Intentions exist within a structured hierarchy, where each level relies on and reinforces the others:
• Principles: Core intentions (values) that define the highest level of intention.
• Policies: Governing intentions that regulate how principles are applied.
• Purposes: Ongoing intentions directing long-term action.
• Plans: Schematic intentions that outline structured pathways to achieve purposes.
• Projects: Short-term intentions (goals) that execute plans.
Hierarchical concurrency describes how all these levels of intention seem to operate at the same time, creating a coherent structure where principles remain present in every action. When all levels are integral to one another, actualisation is achieved—the intention manifests fully within objective reality.
The Structure of Creative Intention and the Development of Dissonance
When hierarchical concurrency is maintained, each level of intention remains consistent and aligned, allowing for integral and authentic projection. However, if integrity is not sustained at all levels, mental dissonance is created, disrupting coherence in both thought and action.
• Projects must align with plans: If projects do not follow plans, actions become disconnected from structure, leading to frustration.
• Plans must support purposes: If a plan does not serve its intended purpose, dissonance arises between what is being done and why it is being done.
• Purposes must adhere to policies: If a purpose conflicts with governing policies, internal resistance develops, resulting in tension and contradiction.
• Policies must embody principles: If policies fail to reflect core principles, the individual experiences a split between their values and their actions, leading to a fundamental disconnect in projection.
A lack of hierarchical integrity generates conflict within the individual, where lower-level actions no longer make sense in relation to higher-level intentions. This results in either hesitation and stagnation or compromised action that feels misaligned with core intentions. This may also result in violation (moral injury) if the dissonance between principles and the products of someone’s products (outcomes) is severe.
Maintaining integrity across all levels of intention is essential for avoiding internal conflict, and ensuring that projection remains psychologically coherent. Actualisation is only possible when this integrity is upheld—when principles, policies, purposes, plans, and projects are all working together as a singular projection of intention.
Hierarchical Concurrency in Practice
Consider an individual committed to the core intention (value) of self-discipline:
• Principle = Self-discipline as a core intention (value).
• Policy = Implementing a structured daily routine that reinforces discipline.
• Purpose = Strengthening mental and physical resilience.
• Plan = A schematic intention that organises training and study into a structured schedule.
• Project = A short-term intention (goal) that executes the plan, such as completing a morning run, reading a chapter of a book, or meditating.
This person is not acting in linear steps—they are being and doing across all levels at once. The morning run is not just a task; it is an active projection of self-discipline through a structured hierarchy of intention.
If any level fails to remain integral, the individual experiences dissonance:
• If the project (e.g., skipping a planned training session) contradicts the plan, the intended structure breaks down.
• If the plan no longer serves the purpose, the individual questions its necessity.
• If the purpose is misaligned with the policy, the person may resent the imposed structure.
• If the policy drifts from the principle, actions start feeling meaningless or forced.
This dissonance causes confusion, hesitation, or detachment from intention altogether. In contrast, when every level remains integral, actualisation occurs—the full expression of self-discipline as a lived reality.
In Conclusion
Hierarchical concurrency within the structure of creative intention is not about multitasking—it is about structured and intentional execution across multiple levels of being and doing.
When integrity is maintained, actions remain clear and aligned with core intentions. If integrity is lost, mental dissonance emerges, fragmenting projection and disrupting intention.
Actualisation occurs when the entire hierarchy aligns, allowing intention to manifest fully in reality.
By ensuring that principles, policies, purposes, plans, and projects remain integral to each other, individuals can extend their intentions into reality effectively without internal contradiction.
Stay safe and well,
Sean.
