I'd like to check something out with you: when using words like "Fair" and "Respect," how are you defining those words -- and in relation to what? For instance, I can hear echoes in my mind about "That's not fair!" but the voice seems to have child-like tones, and the memories are usually when I was treated unfairly or disrespectfully. To be fair, there have been times when I have looked outward at situations when others were treated unjustly and inhumanely... but, to be honest, the majority of the time I am referencing me and my situations!
I wonder how often our mental models are formed -- and remain anchored -- in past situations: rooted in childhood and centered on how we were treated?
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| How do you define "Fair" -- and in relationship to whom? ~~ Click on image to enlarge ~~ (Photo credit: Baby Blues, Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott, 02/03/23) |
It makes sense that our responses to situations are shadowed by individual experiences, but what happens when we encounter Situations Unknown that require a more Collective Response? What skills have we developed to help us bridge these Past Echoes and learn to Look Beyond ourselves?
I can't always stop these voices. After all, I learned how to survive and flourish in the environment of my childhood. Moving outward, I have learned to notice these tapes playing, and to wonder if there is a broader vision of fairness and respect that goes beyond me.
As we grow older, we are called to look outward at a larger horizon... even when there are clouds that shadow what we see!
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| Can you get beyond the clouds that shadow your horizon? (Photo: Cloudy Ocean - Larry Gardepie) |
The skills of observing and noticing give us time to pause and reflect on what we hear -- those inward tapes and outward voices; see -- treatment of Self and Other; and understand -- justices and injustices. Through these skills, Awareness surfaces and begins to recolor the past and bring brilliance to the present.
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| How can we see anew the beauty around us? (Photo: Ocean Sunset - Larry Gardepie) |
As we move into this next week, our invitation is to notice when fairness and respect are not present, and to balance the pendulum away from Only Self and Only Other. Our challenge is to honestly treat everyone fairly.
Peace to you and your Loved Ones!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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