Where is Your Focus? Being Open to the Unexpected?

A thunderstorm rapidly approached as we walked along the rim of the Grand Canyon.  Distant lightning and thunder broke our focus on the beauty around us.  We were waiting to experience a Grand Canyon sunset, witnessing how the light played out on the rock layers of millennia.

Our attention shifted from seeing what was before us (present) toward an anticipation of the colorful display of sun, light and rock (future).  Many people were distracted by the approaching storm -- disrupting for them both the present moment and the longed-for experience.  A new reality, the storm, began to darken their evening.

Maybe another shift was occurring:  moving from what we had planned (or expected) toward Being Open to the Unexpected (learning to trust)?

Do we see only storm clouds on the horizon?

In today’s divided and politically-charged world it is easy to react to the words and images we don’t like... or expect from others.  Our focus may tend towards one of the extremes:  siding with or in opposition to; believing one side is righteous and the other side is wrong; making judgments on who is informed or uninformed.

I wonder: what is being revealed about ourselves in these reactions? Are we learning that we really don't trust some people?

Where is your focus?  What is your perspective?

It is important to have a discourse... to seek understanding... when there are disagreements.  But, similar to the meanings we attach when asked if a glass is half-empty (= pessimism) or half-full (= optimism), we unwittingly box ourselves into seeing only one way or the other.

I wonder: when we focus on one of two extremes, do we miss what lies between or outside of those dual poles?  For instance:  do we experience the texture and feel of the glass, the taste of the liquid, and the potential that our thirst will be quenched?  Are we missing out on relationships and interconnections between worldviews... and opportunities... when we focus on only one way?

What if our focus was on staying in relationship?

The baggage of past decisions and actions -- both real and perceived -- are disrupting the definition of Who We Are (present) and Who We Want to Become (future).  Being able to create a safe environment for dialogue allows us to move forward... into an unexpected adventure of relationship.  Just think what we might learn from others and about ourselves!

Questions to consider:

• What would happen if I tried to understand how someone came to another understanding or conclusion?
• Am I willing to ask questions and listen to responses I don't agree with?
• How might I experience another person if I were open to the unexpected?

May this week disrupt -- in a positive way -- those worldviews which limit and isolate us.  May we focus on staying in relationship... and to be open to Unexpected Possibilities!

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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