Upbringing, Perspective and Hopefully More Open Minded Folks

        People have varying experiences growing up that shape their views, attitudes and values.  Individuals have a tendency to ONLY see their view and often judge others by their standards.  These standards are heavily influenced by the one person’s circumstances in his/her life, NOT what has happened in everyone else’s life.  I see this happen every day. Is it fair?  No. Is it understandable?  Maybe, it depends. 

       

        If I had more time I could give a few examples, but I have responsibilities that take my time and energy.  This Grad school thing....well, that's another story. =)

        Anyway, my hope is that people can get outside themselves, can develop empathy and be aware that people have values that are different, and not necessarily wrong.  I understand one can’t be mindful of everyone’s different values and that we can't walk on egg shells because we are afraid we'll offend someone, but I wish that people , at least, become more conscious that their perspective is not the only perspective.  It would be great if individuals would ask others what they believe and not assume another person has the same beliefs that they do. 

        This world is full of self-centered, un-empathetic people.  And actually, this is ALL of us at some point in our lives.   Let’s try to lessen the instances we are selfish and narrow minded.  Let’s all try to raise our awareness, think of how others will be affected by our words and actions before we act, before we speak.  I am wishing we become more mindful, myself included.

        This is MY perspective.  If you don’t agree, I respect that.  And I hope to understand your point of view and how certain experiences in your life shaped your thinking.  Let’s have a discussion about it.  Feel free to explain to me your thoughts on the subject.  Peace to you.

Learning to live in the grey, weaving through three layers.

Someone I know once noted that people make themselves seem busy to bolster self-worth, alluding to the notion that being busy means you’re important.  It struck me; I do this!  I also do the complete opposite, I make it seem as if I have all the free time in the world, so much so that I can do many fun activities.  In a similar way, I try to present myself as someone who has his sh*t together and therefore has much leisure time because.... “important” people also have the luxury of NOT being busy and indulging in pleasure.  Being overtly busy and being totally carefree can be two sides of the same coin.  Upon this self-realization, I don’t want to buy into the idea that either of these personas are always true all the time.  The coin does not always land on heads, nor does it land on tails every time.  The truth is the coin is flipped in the air where it is neither heads nor tails, it is in constant flux.  It is neither black nor white; it is grey. The area between two opposites.  It is balance.  I try to be balanced in my ways and I am willing to go to both extremes to find my own personal balance.  I  weave through the hills and valleys and find an even keel, in the process, learn to live in the grey.