Challenging Your Perspective
Tuesday ~ 31 October, 2023
We are naturally protective of our own perspectives, aren't we? But when that perspective is challenged, do we give what we think and what we see a chance to change?
Can we step asisde and make space for others, and try to see what they see? Can we step aside from our own self and see ourselves as others see us? Why do we feel unsafe to do these things, and what would it mean if we take that first step and bend a little bit?
It could mean everything.
I've always found that autumn giving way to winter in particular is an ideal time to self-reflect. Mirroring the trees as their sap migrates down to the roots, we also can go deep inside ourselves. There is a natural opportunity to pause and go inward and look around at our own collections of thoughts and perspectives and see the cobwebs and shadows that are lurking inside our minds.
What are we holding onto and what are we so afraid of? In trying to find comprehensive answers to the things we are questioning, seeking, or worrying about, we are seeking security because of our insecurity. There is an answer, among many perhaps, that I've found, and it's something I'm working to be more intentional about. That answer is:
Stop and take in the mysterious world around you, disengage from your own inner conflict to gain a truer perspective, trusting that all will be unraveled when we do so.
The keyword in this is, trust. Trusting ourselves, trusting in mystery, trusting others, trusting the planet...
This picture, which I lovingly call "Paul's Juniper" is a study in perspective. I took it just a few days ago. The volcano behind the juniper tree is immense, it is truly indescribable how dominating it actually is in the desert landscape. But the juniper tree is not much taller than me.
How funny that something that is nearly my same size could look equal in size to that of an 820-foot (250 m) volcano.
Things are not always what they first seem, and our immediate response, thought or impression may not be the only reality.
The picture above is an aerochrome inspired infrared photograph.
Warmthness
Emmy