Everything is broken … or is that simply our perspective?
It seems as though our problems (individually and collectively) all come from our inability to think and act rationally, with consistency. Everything is a choice … it is our decision how we choose to face our days, even if we believe that everything is wrong/broken/weird.
If we take the time to think about it (thinking is really awesome!), we would realize that, for the most part, we live on autopilot. We all have our own routines, habits, traditions, and conditioning that carry us through our days/weeks/lives. This means that we don’t have to actually think about our regimented activities like brushing our teeth every morning or getting online for a Thursday morning yoga class … we just do it.
And … herein lies a significant issue … when we are on autopilot, we are somewhat (or entirely) disconnected from what we are doing … disconnected from the “why” of what we are doing, and disconnected from how we really feel about it. We often carry on the way it’s always been done, even when it’s not serving us or others to the fullest because it feels “easier” and we might even believe that this is how we’re supposed to do it. We aren’t consciously deciding, we are just doing. So things can seem wrong, until you realize that you can, and we can do things differently!
When we are more connected to everything we are doing, we make better decisions for ourselves, we tend to be more grateful, we feel happier, find success on our own terms, and we might even be kinder (seriously)!
Have you noticed that you consistently feel terrible after interacting with a specific person? It doesn’t have to continue to be that way … you can change your perspective, or, if you feel that they might not be a positive influence on/in your life, you can decide to remove that connection … this can be challenging, but once you recognize that it results in profound and positive change, you will be empowered to do it repeatedly, as necessary! Another example: Imagine thinking about where every ingredient came from on your plate and how it makes you feel… take a moment before digging in. I guarantee this practice will significantly change the way you shop, cook, and nourish yourself (and your family and friends).
We know that being honest with ourselves (and with others) can be hard. From the time we are born, we are bombarded with messages on how we should behave, look, and feel. We are taught what to think, believe, and value. We get so much information from legacy media. We are conditioned to accept and live by society’s terms rather than connecting to our true selves and being human. We alter our lives to fit the narrative of how we are “supposed” to live, but, we have the opportunity to filter… we do not have to be a sponge.
I read this on Twitter and loved it:
“When a photographer can’t change a scene, they change their angle and lens to capture the best of that scene. Similarly, when you can’t change a situation in your life, change your perspective to get the best out of that situation. Try to be a filter, not a sponge. ~ @crazypolymath
Perspective is everything. All it takes is a change of perspective. So, rather than soaking up and being weighed down by each crisis, obstacle, and news headline … let us pause, find focus and clarity, and consider how the information presented is meaningful, how our choices will impact us, and what steps forward we can each take to be a part of a solution to things not sucking.
Even as things reopen and it feels like we might get “back to it”, we know there’s no going back … we are moving forward and learning to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Everything we thought we knew to be “true” has changed… unearthed, and overturned.
Now is the time to get connected …to be human.
Now is the time to give, and give more … it will help you … it will help us all.
Now is the time to change the narrative … we can do things differently.
Now is the time to spend time and energy with those that are interested and interesting.
Listen. Think. Care. Don’t unknow. Do. Do. Do. And do so with love and gratitude.
Enjoy just a few links about what broken.