cfim360.com Non-derivative canonical system

Time

Node Identity

This node holds terms that describe how change unfolds across time.

The terms here do not represent schedules, sequences, or progress markers. They describe structural movement, continuity, and recurrence as properties of living systems.

Time in CFIM is not linear by default. Change is understood through patterns of return, decay, and renewal, not forward accumulation.

Glossary Classification System

Glossary terms in CFIM360 are not uniform. Each term carries a suffix that declares how it should be read.

The suffix is not stylistic. It constrains interpretation.

Suffix Definitions

P — Primitive

An irreducible reference term. It cannot be derived from other terms.

D — Distinction

A paired or comparative construct. It only makes sense in relation to its counterpart.

S — Structure

A stable configuration or topology that persists across contexts.

M — Mode

A way perception or intelligence operates.

F — Form

A recurring pattern that appears across systems or situations.

Containers in This Node

The Time node contains the following containers. Each container groups terms by how temporal movement is structured, not by speed or outcome.

Temporal Structures

Ways in which time is shaped or organized within a system.

Continuity Mechanics

How memory, carry-over, and persistence operate across cycles.

Evolutionary Modes

Distinct forms through which systems change without losing identity.

Decay & Renewal

Patterns through which structures weaken, dissolve, or regenerate.

Vitality Signals

Indicators that a system remains alive across time without external enforcement.

Temporal Structures

Ways in which time is shaped or organized within a system.

Trajectory

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

The directional path a system follows across time based on accumulated decisions, constraints, and momentum.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Direction

Invariants

  • Trajectories emerge from structure, not intent alone.
  • Once established, deviation carries cost.
  • Multiple trajectories can coexist.
  • Stopping a trajectory requires structural change.

Non-Reducible To

  • Goal
  • Plan
  • Timeline
  • Intention

Graph Relations

  • Composed of → Phases
  • Stabilized by → Commitment
  • Altered by → Reorientation
  • Distinct from → Outcome

Contextual Manifestation

Appears whenever systems exhibit sustained direction across time.

Cycle

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

A temporal structure in which patterns recur through repetition with variation.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Cycles are not exact repetitions.
  • Each pass carries memory residue.
  • Cycles can deepen or degrade.
  • Breaking a cycle requires intervention.

Non-Reducible To

  • Routine
  • Habit
  • Loop
  • Schedule

Graph Relations

  • Contains → Phases
  • Carries → Memory Loop
  • Distinct from → Iteration
  • Supports → Evolution

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in biological, cognitive, and organizational systems.

Phase

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

A bounded temporal segment within a trajectory or cycle characterized by specific constraints and affordances.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Constraint

Invariants

  • Phases have entry and exit conditions.
  • Behavior optimal in one phase may fail in another.
  • Phases can overlap.
  • Skipping phases causes instability.

Non-Reducible To

  • Stage
  • Step
  • Period
  • Milestone

Graph Relations

  • Composes → Trajectory
  • Occurs within → Cycle
  • Distinct from → Sequence
  • Bounded by → Thresholds

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems move through qualitatively different temporal conditions.

Sequence

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

An ordered arrangement of events or states where order matters for coherence.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Order

Invariants

  • Sequence determines dependency.
  • Reordering alters outcome.
  • Parallel sequences may coexist.
  • Missing elements degrade function.

Non-Reducible To

  • Timeline
  • List
  • Schedule
  • Process

Graph Relations

  • Orders → States
  • Distinct from → Cycle
  • Supports → Execution
  • Constrained by → Dependency

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in processes where order is structurally significant.

Threshold

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

A temporal boundary at which a system shifts behavior, capacity, or structure.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Capacity

Invariants

  • Thresholds may be invisible until crossed.
  • Crossing is often irreversible.
  • Early signals precede threshold events.
  • Hovering near thresholds increases volatility.

Non-Reducible To

  • Limit
  • Deadline
  • Boundary
  • Rule

Graph Relations

  • Precedes → Collapse
  • Triggers → Phase Shift
  • Distinct from → Boundary
  • Detected by → Risk Assessment

Contextual Manifestation

Appears where accumulation leads to qualitative change.

Window

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

A bounded temporal opening during which specific actions or transitions are viable.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Opportunity

Invariants

  • Windows are time-sensitive.
  • Missing a window alters trajectory.
  • Windows can reopen in altered form.
  • Forcing action outside windows increases cost.

Non-Reducible To

  • Chance
  • Schedule
  • Opportunity
  • Availability

Graph Relations

  • Constrains → Initiation
  • Distinct from → Phase
  • Supported by → Readiness
  • Closes with → Delay

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when timing determines viability of action.

Latency

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

The temporal delay between cause and observable effect within a system.

Operating Plan

  • Time
  • Signal

Invariants

  • Latency obscures causality.
  • Short latency increases reactivity.
  • Long latency increases misattribution.
  • Ignoring latency distorts decisions.

Non-Reducible To

  • Delay
  • Slowness
  • Waiting
  • Inactivity

Graph Relations

  • Distorts → Feedback
  • Distinct from → Pause
  • Modulates → Escalation
  • Complicates → Evaluation

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in complex systems where effects lag causes.

Rhythm

[T] Time → Temporal Structures

Reference Statement

A patterned temporal cadence that organizes activity, rest, or interaction.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Capacity

Invariants

  • Rhythm stabilizes load over time.
  • Disrupted rhythm degrades vitality.
  • Rhythms can be internal or shared.
  • Over-regularity reduces adaptability.

Non-Reducible To

  • Schedule
  • Routine
  • Habit
  • Tempo

Graph Relations

  • Supports → Self-Maintenance
  • Distinct from → Synchronization
  • Stabilizes → Capacity
  • Interacts with → Cycle

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in living systems that sustain function without constant control.

Continuity Mechanics

How memory, carry-over, and persistence operate across cycles.

Carry-Over

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

The mechanism by which effects, patterns, or constraints persist from one temporal segment into the next.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Carry-over is selective, not total.
  • What carries over shapes future capacity.
  • Unexamined carry-over accumulates drift.
  • Clearing carry-over requires structural action.

Non-Reducible To

  • Memory
  • Habit
  • Residue
  • Persistence

Graph Relations

  • Feeds → Continuity Carrier
  • Distinct from → Repetition
  • Accumulates → Drift
  • Modulated by → Release

Contextual Manifestation

Appears wherever past configurations influence present conditions.

Continuity Carrier

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

The structure or medium through which identity, coherence, or signal persists across time.

Operating Plane

  • Structure
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Carriers may be internal or external.
  • Loss of carrier breaks continuity.
  • Multiple carriers can coexist.
  • Weak carriers distort identity over time.

Non-Reducible To

  • Memory alone
  • Storage
  • Archive
  • Record

Graph Relations

  • Carries → Identity
  • Distinct from → Memory Loop
  • Supports → Evolution
  • Threatened by → Corruption

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in systems that remain recognizable across cycles.

Memory Loop

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

A recursive mechanism in which past experience informs present action and future expectation.

Operating Plane

  • Memory
  • Feedback

Invariants

  • Loops can stabilize or entrench.
  • Distorted loops amplify error.
  • Loops must remain permeable.
  • Breaking loops requires intervention.

Non-Reducible To

  • Recall
  • Rumination
  • Habit
  • Repetition

Graph Relations

  • Shapes → Trajectory
  • Distinct from → Cycle
  • Feeds → Pattern Recognition
  • Bounded by → Meta-Awareness

Contextual Manifestation

Appears wherever experience recursively shapes behavior.

Residual Signal

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

The lingering informational or affective trace of past interaction or state.

Operating Plane

  • Signal
  • Time

Invariants

  • Residual signals fade unevenly.
  • Residue can bias perception.
  • Clearing residue restores clarity.
  • Ignored residue compounds noise.

Non-Reducible To

  • Memory
  • Emotion
  • Impression
  • History

Graph Relations

  • Feeds → Carry-Over
  • Distinct from → Active Signal
  • Contributes to → Drift
  • Cleared by → Release

Contextual Manifestation

Appears after intense or repeated experiences.

Drift Accumulation

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

The gradual build-up of misalignment across time due to uncorrected carry-over and residual effects.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Drift accumulates invisibly.
  • Function may persist while integrity erodes.
  • Correction cost increases with time.
  • Drift precedes collapse.

Non-Reducible To

  • Change
  • Evolution
  • Adaptation
  • Growth

Graph Relations

  • Emerges from → Carry-Over
  • Distinct from → Transition
  • Leads to → Threshold
  • Opposed by → Recalibration

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in long-lived systems without recalibration.

Temporal Anchoring

[T] Time → Continuity Mechanics

Reference Statement

A mechanism that stabilizes identity or coherence by anchoring a system to specific temporal references.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Reference

Invariants

  • Anchors reduce temporal drift.
  • Anchors can be events, rituals, or markers.
  • Over-anchoring reduces flexibility.
  • Anchors must be periodically renewed.

Non-Reducible To

  • Schedule
  • Routine
  • Reminder
  • Deadline

Graph Relations

  • Stabilizes → Continuity
  • Distinct from → Commitment
  • Supports → Memory Integrity
  • Interacts with → Rhythm

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems require temporal grounding across change.

Evolutionary Modes

Distinct forms through which systems change without losing identity.

Evolution

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which a system alters form or capacity while preserving its core identity and coherence.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Identity

Invariants

  • Evolution preserves identity across change.
  • Change is cumulative, not reset-based.
  • Memory informs direction.
  • Loss of identity indicates failure, not evolution.

Non-Reducible To

  • Growth
  • Progress
  • Scaling
  • Improvement

Graph Relations

  • Requires → Continuity Carrier
  • Distinct from → Adaptation
  • Feeds → Deepening
  • Bounded by → Identity Integrity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in systems capable of changing without forgetting themselves.

Iteration

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which a system refines behavior or structure through repeated cycles.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Feedback

Invariants

  • Iteration improves within an existing frame.
  • Iteration compounds learning.
  • Excess iteration without reflection stagnates.
  • Iteration does not guarantee evolution.

Non-Reducible To

  • Repetition
  • Practice
  • Trial-and-error
  • Looping

Graph Relations

  • Occurs within → Cycle
  • Distinct from → Deepening
  • Supports → Optimization
  • Bounded by → Frame Stability

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems learn through repetition with feedback.

Deepening

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which a system increases internal coherence, richness, or capacity without expanding outward.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Structure

Invariants

  • Deepening increases density, not size.
  • It enhances internal resolution.
  • Deepening often appears quiet externally.
  • Lack of deepening produces hollow growth.

Non-Reducible To

  • Maturity
  • Complexity
  • Intensity
  • Experience

Graph Relations

  • Strengthens → Coherence
  • Distinct from → Growth
  • Supports → Evolution
  • Appears with → Reflection

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems evolve inward before outward change.

Repatterning

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which recurring patterns are reorganized without erasing historical continuity.

Operating Plane

  • Structure
  • Memory

Invariants

  • Patterns are reshaped, not deleted.
  • Repatterning preserves learning.
  • Timing determines success.
  • Forced repatterning collapses trust.

Non-Reducible To

  • Reinvention
  • Reset
  • Replacement
  • Disruption

Graph Relations

  • Reworks → Memory Loops
  • Distinct from → Iteration
  • Supports → Recovery
  • Bounded by → Coherence

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems must change behavior while honoring history.

Adaptation

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which a system modifies behavior or structure in response to external conditions.

Operating Plane

  • Field
  • Time

Invariants

  • Adaptation responds to environment.
  • Excess adaptation erodes identity.
  • Adaptation can be local or global.
  • Not all adaptation is evolutionary.

Non-Reducible To

  • Evolution
  • Learning
  • Flexibility
  • Compliance

Graph Relations

  • Responds to → Field Pressure
  • Distinct from → Evolution
  • Supports → Survival
  • Bounded by → Identity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems must adjust to remain viable.

Co-Evolution

[T] Time → Evolutionary Modes

Reference Statement

A mode of change in which multiple systems evolve together through mutual influence without fusion.

Operating Plane

  • Relation
  • Time

Invariants

  • Co-evolution preserves autonomy.
  • Influence is reciprocal.
  • Divergence remains possible.
  • Forced co-evolution creates dependency.

Non-Reducible To

  • Synchronization
  • Collaboration
  • Dependency
  • Fusion

Graph Relations

  • Emerges from → Mutual Influence
  • Distinct from → Coupling
  • Supports → Shared Evolution
  • Bounded by → Boundary Integrity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in long-term relational systems that evolve together without entanglement.

Decay & Renewal

Patterns through which structures weaken, dissolve, or regenerate.

Decay

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A process through which structure, coherence, or capacity gradually weakens across time.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Structure

Invariants

  • Decay is gradual, not sudden.
  • Function may persist during decay.
  • Decay accelerates when ignored.
  • Decay is not failure by default.

Non-Reducible To

  • Collapse
  • Laziness
  • Neglect
  • Aging

Graph Relations

  • Precedes → Erosion
  • Distinct from → Transition
  • Accelerated by → Drift
  • Countered by → Renewal

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in long-lived systems without recalibration or care.

Erosion

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A form of decay caused by repeated small stresses that wear down structure over time.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Pressure

Invariants

  • Erosion is incremental.
  • Individual stressors may seem harmless.
  • Erosion targets weak points first.
  • Repair becomes harder over time.

Non-Reducible To

  • Damage
  • Conflict
  • Failure
  • Breakdown

Graph Relations

  • Compounds → Decay
  • Distinct from → Shock
  • Targets → Boundaries
  • Leads to → Exhaustion

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems face constant low-grade pressure.

Exhaustion

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A condition in which capacity is depleted faster than it can be restored.

Operating Plane

  • Capacity
  • Time

Invariants

  • Exhaustion reduces adaptability.
  • Signals degrade before collapse.
  • Rest alone may be insufficient.
  • Continued demand accelerates breakdown.

Non-Reducible To

  • Tiredness
  • Burnout
  • Stress
  • Laziness

Graph Relations

  • Precedes → Collapse Threshold
  • Distinct from → Overload
  • Signals → Renewal Need
  • Opposes → Vitality

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems operate beyond sustainable limits.

Collapse Threshold

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A point beyond which recovery potential drops sharply and structural failure becomes likely.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Structure

Invariants

  • Thresholds are often crossed unknowingly.
  • Intervention effectiveness drops rapidly after crossing.
  • Collapse is not instantaneous.
  • Some systems never recover past this point.

Non-Reducible To

  • Crisis
  • Failure
  • Panic
  • Emergency

Graph Relations

  • Preceded by → Pre-Collapse State
  • Distinct from → Instability
  • Limits → Recovery Potential
  • Triggers → Termination Decisions

Contextual Manifestation

Appears at the edge of irreversible loss of coherence.

Renewal

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A process through which depleted or degraded structures regain coherence or capacity.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Renewal restores viability, not prior form.
  • Timing matters more than speed.
  • Renewal requires release of residue.
  • Forced renewal degrades trust.

Non-Reducible To

  • Restart
  • Reset
  • Healing
  • Repair

Graph Relations

  • Opposes → Decay
  • Distinct from → Regeneration
  • Requires → Recovery State
  • Supports → Continuity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems regain capacity without erasing history.

Regeneration

[T] Time → Decay & Renewal

Reference Statement

A process through which new structure or capacity emerges to replace what has been lost.

Operating Plane

  • Structure
  • Time

Invariants

  • Regeneration creates new form.
  • Identity continuity must be preserved.
  • Not all loss is regenerative.
  • Regeneration may exceed prior capacity.

Non-Reducible To

  • Renewal
  • Repair
  • Recovery
  • Growth

Graph Relations

  • Follows → Loss
  • Distinct from → Renewal
  • Feeds → Evolution
  • Bounded by → Identity Integrity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems rebuild beyond previous configuration.

Vitality Signals

Indicators that a system remains alive across time without external enforcement.

Self-Maintenance

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

The capacity of a system to preserve coherence and function without continuous external input.

Operating Plane

  • Continuity
  • Capacity

Invariants

  • Maintenance emerges from structure.
  • External enforcement signals fragility.
  • Self-maintenance reduces corrective load.
  • Absence signals decay.

Non-Reducible To

  • Automation
  • Routine
  • Discipline
  • Control

Graph Relations

  • Indicates → Vitality
  • Distinct from → Regulation
  • Supports → Longevity
  • Requires → Coherence

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in systems that sustain themselves naturally.

Spontaneous Recalibration

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

The ability of a system to correct drift or imbalance without external intervention.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Regulation

Invariants

  • Recalibration is subtle.
  • Overcorrection indicates instability.
  • Delay increases correction cost.
  • Spontaneity indicates health.

Non-Reducible To

  • Optimization
  • Control
  • Monitoring
  • Reset

Graph Relations

  • Counters → Drift
  • Distinct from → Forced Correction
  • Supports → Continuity
  • Signals → Coherence

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems adjust naturally over time.

Return to Baseline

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

The capacity of a system to settle back into a stable range after disturbance.

Operating Plane

  • Time
  • Stability

Invariants

  • Baseline is a range, not a point.
  • Faster return indicates resilience.
  • Failure indicates degradation.
  • Overshoot signals instability.

Non-Reducible To

  • Calmness
  • Recovery
  • Suppression
  • Reset

Graph Relations

  • Follows → Disturbance
  • Distinct from → Locking
  • Signals → Regulation Health
  • Supported by → Rhythm

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems absorb shocks without lasting distortion.

Elastic Recovery

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

The ability of a system to deform under stress and recover without permanent loss of coherence.

Operating Plane

  • Structure
  • Capacity

Invariants

  • Elasticity prevents fracture.
  • Excess elasticity degrades form.
  • Rigidity increases collapse risk.
  • Elastic recovery requires boundaries.

Non-Reducible To

  • Flexibility
  • Adaptation
  • Resilience
  • Toughness

Graph Relations

  • Counters → Erosion
  • Distinct from → Plastic Deformation
  • Signals → Structural Health
  • Bounded by → Integrity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears in systems that bend without breaking.

Signal Freshness

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

The degree to which a system’s signals remain relevant, responsive, and non-stale across time.

Operating Plane

  • Signal
  • Time

Invariants

  • Freshness declines without renewal.
  • Excess novelty degrades meaning.
  • Stale signal increases noise.
  • Freshness reflects living engagement.

Non-Reducible To

  • Novelty
  • Trends
  • Activity
  • Volume

Graph Relations

  • Indicates → Vitality
  • Distinct from → Virality
  • Supported by → Renewal
  • Threatened by → Exhaustion

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems remain responsive rather than repetitive.

Internal Drive

[T] Time → Vitality Signals

Reference Statement

An internally generated impetus that sustains motion, engagement, or creation without external pressure.

Operating Plane

  • Origin
  • Continuity

Invariants

  • Drive emerges from coherence.
  • External pressure masks drive loss.
  • Drive is directional, not frantic.
  • Loss of drive precedes decay.

Non-Reducible To

  • Motivation
  • Incentives
  • Discipline
  • Ambition

Graph Relations

  • Indicates → Aliveness
  • Distinct from → Urgency
  • Supports → Trajectory
  • Bounded by → Capacity

Contextual Manifestation

Appears when systems move because they are alive, not because they are pushed.