It seems that all experiences offer the
opportunity of a new perspective, if only
I am open and present.
As Loc has mentioned, I am also attempting
to cultivate a beginners mind.
of course it’s always been there. It’s just
been covered up with a lifetime of ego
fortifications. As I am more comfortable
with who I am, there is less need to
maintain the facade.
Charlie, I’m all too familiar with the ego. Its biggest strength is playing tricks on the mind. 10 out of every 10 times, I’ve come to find that who I am is different from who I think I am. This is one of the benefits of the Traditional Asian Value system or I’ve called it, the (PM system) referencing Paw Mu and her tough love that emphasizes family and culture over individuals.
First, I work in a black owned production company. Three mid 20s execs report directly to me. I am a white 57 yr old woman. So often when we’re reading material, developing stories with writers or just sharing our weekends, I engage and listen to life experiences that expand me in big and small ways. Mostly because of our age differences. It has enriched my life !
And of course going to the hospital every 2 weeks with my husband receiving cancer treatment expands my perspective of how we all inhabit these bodies of ours, how fragile can be and the beauty of the human spirit.
I, too, accompany my husband for treatments. Although his is not cancer, it is treated as such. My perspective and appreciation, for one day, at a time, has greatly expanded. God bless both of you in this journey.
The more I work with people who have very different lived experiences than mine and the more I recognize the systemic forces at work that create advantages for some, disadvantages and burdens for others, the more my perspective broadens. As a 61-year-old white woman I continue to learn.
I hope your husband’s treatments go well. Things like this are attention-focusing for sure.
I am looking at my life through a different perspective, my own. Having always done what people wanted or expected of me, I felt like I didn’t fully form my own thoughts and opinions until recent years. I did things to make other people happy, always putting myself last. Feeling scared that expressing my needs would be seen as “too much”, I kept myself hidden and small. “You don’t need to worry about me, but let me take care of you. I’ll always take care of you.“ But I never took the time to do this for myself. Neglecting myself and my needs has resulted in me not knowing myself and what I want. It’s such a strange feeling, to realize you don’t know yourself. I’ve been told by others that I am such a delight to be around and how much they love/appreciate/care for me, but I don’t feel it in My heart. It makes me feel sad when I really think about it. But through all the heartache and sadness and hopelessness and despair I have felt, I have also experienced such incredible love and joy and happiness and gratitude as I’ve learn how to become a person in this world and make myself feel seen with my needs. May you all take up space and express yourself wholeheartedly. 🧡
What a wonderful recognition that our own perspectives can shift. I hope you can open to the appreciation others have for you as you move through the world with your “new you”.
Jenifer, I, too, have been on a similar journey … it’s never too late to dig into your soul and find your pov, feelings and preferences. And then start to articulate them within your communities. No one has been more shocked at times than my children! (You don’t like like, swordfish, what?). There’s a season for everything and this one is acknowledging my feelings and expressing them. It’s a process! 🙏🏼
Carly, I remember doing a meditation on Soothing Pod yesterday about the inner seasons. Winter is the season of reflection and solitude. Summer is about fun and doing things. Spring and fall are transition seasons where spring’s about planting seeds of intention, and fall is about letting go. I’m currently standing between spring and summer. Time to turn intention into reality. The lady on soothing pod mentioned that winter is the easiest season to be attached to. As an introvert myself, I totally agree, because it feels comfortable.
My own recent hospitalization and my sister Mary’s hospitalization and death have deepened my resolve to spend more time listening than speaking…listening to my body…listening to others…being still. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a new perspective but rather a wider and deeper awareness of the importance of acceptance and non-resistance. Trusting in the process.
Carol and Yram; You both are not alone. Trusting in the process is very hard. I also am in that frame of mine since my recent heart attack and hospitalization. Illness brings us closer to the truth and who we are- what we need…and how we are to continue. Just continue as you are…very good people…day by day. God Bless
A change of scenery. I moved to a different state about 6 months ago. A different house to make a home, different routines, new and different places to explore…all of this naturally contributes to a shift in perspective. Grateful it’s a positive change for me.
I moved 3-1/2 years ago. Love my new town/area and am still exploring it and getting to know places. I’m very grateful we love the place so much since we moved here with the intention of making it our last move and establishing ourselves with friends, services and routines well before retirement. Glad your move was positive!
Expanding upon Ngoc’s and my answers and my commment on Carla’s post from yesterday, I feel more confident in social settings realizing my hidden strengths in that area. I just let it out on its terms.
For starters, I listen actively to contribute in the right settings. Controversy and randomness are some of the last things we need, especially the former. The ladder is more forgiveable. Randomness can be funny. Everyone laughs and moves on. But however, there’s the saying “Once is funny. Twice is obnoxious.” Humor is an art. If it works, you’re funny. If not, it’s random. They fall under the same roof.
An adaptive style is also what I have going for me. Lately, I’ve been noticing myself trending liberal. Afterall, I spent my childhood and grew up in the west. Psychiatrists have helped me with my mental health struggles. An ever growing number of special cases like me are benefitting under the new regime that prioritizes relationships first. New ideas are originally meant for replacing what no longer serves us to make the world a better place. Human impurity, myself included, have given that a bad name. This is where I’ve turned to Suzuki and my meditation practices. He preached purity throughout “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.”
Real progressives protect tradition. Paw Mu’s system is the same as the Traditional Asian value system. I recommend it to the average Joe. It’s proven successful before in: implementing traditional values, get me from A-B, and can serve as a quality backup for me if my new school system malfunctions which can happen at anytime. Her system places a premium on responsibility just like with mine on relationships. The 2Rs are chicken and egg.
Maybe because it’s early in the morning I can’t connect with a specific scenario. I am open to new perspectives. I am resisting rigidity and expertism. Ah, as I type I am reminded of an evolving situation. I am a teacher by profession, now I am a student again. This is helping to see the world from my students perspective. I am seeing what I can add and what I should avoid. It’s nice to appreciate it.
I received the email I wrote to myself 6 months ago through Future Me, the app you recommended. I’d forgotten all about it, so it literally came like a bolt from out of the blue, full of love and encouragement. It was a beautiful way to start my day. Thank you again for the recommendation.
I did this morning too! – I was going to comment bc I forgot who on here recommended it – thank you Avril. I was just as surprised as Laura. Will write another one later.
In a way “old” experiences are now offering me a new perspective. I no longer take for granted, the simple joys of getting out of bed by myself, taking a shower, getting dressed, making my own tea. I am grateful to take one step in front of the other. I believe that I have taken things for granted..why not…I was young and healthy. Now at 72…I cannot fathom my age. I believed I always would be able to do for myself as I have always. Then there is a sudden change…life changes. But I am renewed..I know that I am able to do something more each day. All that I am and all that I have I am very grateful for. Life is good being thankful!
Nannette, we have a way of appreciating simpler pleasures as we age and go through life’s challenges. I remember complaining about not getting enough time on my video games back in my teenage years like typical teens, especially boys. My parents allowed me to have 45 minutes once per day on school days and twice on weekends with Fridays included. It turns out that My life is easy now, but it was quite a walk in the park back then as I look back. My parents just wanted whatever’s best for me like typical parents. They were looking out for my vision and mental health. My grades were not the issue. I still made the A honoral every quarter during high school.
Putting our home on the market and looking for a place to live in another state – both of which I have never done before! It’s been an eye-opening experience.
I remember selling our house in Seattle nearly 4 years ago and trying to make it picture-perfect. You’re doing a lot of work! Good luck with all of it.
We have done it a few times, and dread it. But it allows us to look at our possessions and be grateful for what we have, even though we may somehow be shedding some of them.
Agreed. I moved several times after making a career change a few years ago and each move let me “set free” possessions that no longer served me so they could go on and be useful for someone else.
Being very grateful for technology – with malware/hackers, having to go back to ‘manual’ forms vs electronic due to hacking issues gives one a perspective of how much we depend on our technology.
Happy Friday everyone! Happy National French Fry Day! 🍟
The ageing process. I am learning to listen to my form, just about 67. More frequent work stoppages are the “soup de jour”. It gives me more time to look, experience a breeze, ponder the clouds, the trees, the flying beings, examine a flower, pick up a pretty rock, pet the dog. Not that I have never appreciated the beauty and wonder of the world around me, but now it has a special quality. I am grateful I can still do the labor I love, albeit in a less strenuous day.
Love this line, Mary. Respecting what my body and mind can do and not yearning for the abilities of Past Me takes some effort at times, while I also appreciate my greater equanimity and patience.
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Experiences with other people from a completely different life context, a different world.
It seems that all experiences offer the
opportunity of a new perspective, if only
I am open and present.
As Loc has mentioned, I am also attempting
to cultivate a beginners mind.
of course it’s always been there. It’s just
been covered up with a lifetime of ego
fortifications. As I am more comfortable
with who I am, there is less need to
maintain the facade.
Charlie, I’m all too familiar with the ego. Its biggest strength is playing tricks on the mind. 10 out of every 10 times, I’ve come to find that who I am is different from who I think I am. This is one of the benefits of the Traditional Asian Value system or I’ve called it, the (PM system) referencing Paw Mu and her tough love that emphasizes family and culture over individuals.
Two specific places come to mind.
First, I work in a black owned production company. Three mid 20s execs report directly to me. I am a white 57 yr old woman. So often when we’re reading material, developing stories with writers or just sharing our weekends, I engage and listen to life experiences that expand me in big and small ways. Mostly because of our age differences. It has enriched my life !
And of course going to the hospital every 2 weeks with my husband receiving cancer treatment expands my perspective of how we all inhabit these bodies of ours, how fragile can be and the beauty of the human spirit.
I, too, accompany my husband for treatments. Although his is not cancer, it is treated as such. My perspective and appreciation, for one day, at a time, has greatly expanded. God bless both of you in this journey.
The more I work with people who have very different lived experiences than mine and the more I recognize the systemic forces at work that create advantages for some, disadvantages and burdens for others, the more my perspective broadens. As a 61-year-old white woman I continue to learn.
I hope your husband’s treatments go well. Things like this are attention-focusing for sure.
I am looking at my life through a different perspective, my own. Having always done what people wanted or expected of me, I felt like I didn’t fully form my own thoughts and opinions until recent years. I did things to make other people happy, always putting myself last. Feeling scared that expressing my needs would be seen as “too much”, I kept myself hidden and small. “You don’t need to worry about me, but let me take care of you. I’ll always take care of you.“ But I never took the time to do this for myself. Neglecting myself and my needs has resulted in me not knowing myself and what I want. It’s such a strange feeling, to realize you don’t know yourself. I’ve been told by others that I am such a delight to be around and how much they love/appreciate/care for me, but I don’t feel it in My heart. It makes me feel sad when I really think about it. But through all the heartache and sadness and hopelessness and despair I have felt, I have also experienced such incredible love and joy and happiness and gratitude as I’ve learn how to become a person in this world and make myself feel seen with my needs. May you all take up space and express yourself wholeheartedly. 🧡
Without you and your true self in this world, Jenifer, there has been a void that only you can fill. No one else can do it. Welcome!
Jenifer, I can relate. I lived in that same bubble for so many years. Thanks for expressing yourself so wholeheartedly.
What a wonderful recognition that our own perspectives can shift. I hope you can open to the appreciation others have for you as you move through the world with your “new you”.
Jenifer, I, too, have been on a similar journey … it’s never too late to dig into your soul and find your pov, feelings and preferences. And then start to articulate them within your communities. No one has been more shocked at times than my children! (You don’t like like, swordfish, what?). There’s a season for everything and this one is acknowledging my feelings and expressing them. It’s a process! 🙏🏼
Carly, I remember doing a meditation on Soothing Pod yesterday about the inner seasons. Winter is the season of reflection and solitude. Summer is about fun and doing things. Spring and fall are transition seasons where spring’s about planting seeds of intention, and fall is about letting go. I’m currently standing between spring and summer. Time to turn intention into reality. The lady on soothing pod mentioned that winter is the easiest season to be attached to. As an introvert myself, I totally agree, because it feels comfortable.
My own recent hospitalization and my sister Mary’s hospitalization and death have deepened my resolve to spend more time listening than speaking…listening to my body…listening to others…being still. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a new perspective but rather a wider and deeper awareness of the importance of acceptance and non-resistance. Trusting in the process.
Carol and Yram; You both are not alone. Trusting in the process is very hard. I also am in that frame of mine since my recent heart attack and hospitalization. Illness brings us closer to the truth and who we are- what we need…and how we are to continue. Just continue as you are…very good people…day by day. God Bless
Trusting the process. This is hard for me. Thanks for the reminder!
Yram, I understand. Right now it is very hard for me, too.
A change of scenery. I moved to a different state about 6 months ago. A different house to make a home, different routines, new and different places to explore…all of this naturally contributes to a shift in perspective. Grateful it’s a positive change for me.
I moved 3-1/2 years ago. Love my new town/area and am still exploring it and getting to know places. I’m very grateful we love the place so much since we moved here with the intention of making it our last move and establishing ourselves with friends, services and routines well before retirement. Glad your move was positive!
Expanding upon Ngoc’s and my answers and my commment on Carla’s post from yesterday, I feel more confident in social settings realizing my hidden strengths in that area. I just let it out on its terms.
For starters, I listen actively to contribute in the right settings. Controversy and randomness are some of the last things we need, especially the former. The ladder is more forgiveable. Randomness can be funny. Everyone laughs and moves on. But however, there’s the saying “Once is funny. Twice is obnoxious.” Humor is an art. If it works, you’re funny. If not, it’s random. They fall under the same roof.
An adaptive style is also what I have going for me. Lately, I’ve been noticing myself trending liberal. Afterall, I spent my childhood and grew up in the west. Psychiatrists have helped me with my mental health struggles. An ever growing number of special cases like me are benefitting under the new regime that prioritizes relationships first. New ideas are originally meant for replacing what no longer serves us to make the world a better place. Human impurity, myself included, have given that a bad name. This is where I’ve turned to Suzuki and my meditation practices. He preached purity throughout “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.”
Real progressives protect tradition. Paw Mu’s system is the same as the Traditional Asian value system. I recommend it to the average Joe. It’s proven successful before in: implementing traditional values, get me from A-B, and can serve as a quality backup for me if my new school system malfunctions which can happen at anytime. Her system places a premium on responsibility just like with mine on relationships. The 2Rs are chicken and egg.
Maybe because it’s early in the morning I can’t connect with a specific scenario. I am open to new perspectives. I am resisting rigidity and expertism. Ah, as I type I am reminded of an evolving situation. I am a teacher by profession, now I am a student again. This is helping to see the world from my students perspective. I am seeing what I can add and what I should avoid. It’s nice to appreciate it.
I received the email I wrote to myself 6 months ago through Future Me, the app you recommended. I’d forgotten all about it, so it literally came like a bolt from out of the blue, full of love and encouragement. It was a beautiful way to start my day. Thank you again for the recommendation.
I did this morning too! – I was going to comment bc I forgot who on here recommended it – thank you Avril. I was just as surprised as Laura. Will write another one later.
Good reminder, Laura! I opened that tab when Avril shared it and didn’t write anything yet.
Avril, expertism reminds me of Suzuki’s quote of “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”
In a way “old” experiences are now offering me a new perspective. I no longer take for granted, the simple joys of getting out of bed by myself, taking a shower, getting dressed, making my own tea. I am grateful to take one step in front of the other. I believe that I have taken things for granted..why not…I was young and healthy. Now at 72…I cannot fathom my age. I believed I always would be able to do for myself as I have always. Then there is a sudden change…life changes. But I am renewed..I know that I am able to do something more each day. All that I am and all that I have I am very grateful for. Life is good being thankful!
Acceptance brings a new kind of freedom.
Nannette, we have a way of appreciating simpler pleasures as we age and go through life’s challenges. I remember complaining about not getting enough time on my video games back in my teenage years like typical teens, especially boys. My parents allowed me to have 45 minutes once per day on school days and twice on weekends with Fridays included. It turns out that My life is easy now, but it was quite a walk in the park back then as I look back. My parents just wanted whatever’s best for me like typical parents. They were looking out for my vision and mental health. My grades were not the issue. I still made the A honoral every quarter during high school.
Thank you, Loc Tran…you put it all in perspective…a good lesson!!
Thanks Nannette, and no problem.
Putting our home on the market and looking for a place to live in another state – both of which I have never done before! It’s been an eye-opening experience.
I remember selling our house in Seattle nearly 4 years ago and trying to make it picture-perfect. You’re doing a lot of work! Good luck with all of it.
We have done it a few times, and dread it. But it allows us to look at our possessions and be grateful for what we have, even though we may somehow be shedding some of them.
Agreed. I moved several times after making a career change a few years ago and each move let me “set free” possessions that no longer served me so they could go on and be useful for someone else.
Being very grateful for technology – with malware/hackers, having to go back to ‘manual’ forms vs electronic due to hacking issues gives one a perspective of how much we depend on our technology.
Happy Friday everyone! Happy National French Fry Day! 🍟
I like some good restaurant fries now and then myself Michele!
The ageing process. I am learning to listen to my form, just about 67. More frequent work stoppages are the “soup de jour”. It gives me more time to look, experience a breeze, ponder the clouds, the trees, the flying beings, examine a flower, pick up a pretty rock, pet the dog. Not that I have never appreciated the beauty and wonder of the world around me, but now it has a special quality. I am grateful I can still do the labor I love, albeit in a less strenuous day.
Joseph, I concur. Both my husband and I say, « Yes! We are still going! Just not as far or as fast! ».
Love this line, Mary. Respecting what my body and mind can do and not yearning for the abilities of Past Me takes some effort at times, while I also appreciate my greater equanimity and patience.