Seeing Beyond

For those who have flown on an airplane, have you noticed the difference in what you can see... whether sitting in the aisle, middle, or window seats?  For example: what you see out the window depends on how close or far away you are from the window:  the closer you are, the more you see; the further away, the view is more restricted.

In a larger sense, our perspective in life also changes by the physical, mental, or emotional distances we are to what is happening.

What do you see from your position?
(Photo: View from the Middle Seat - Larry Gardepie)

Applying this illustration to an even wider context, think about what we are experiencing in the world around us.  There is so much we don't know because we might not have the position or perspective of those closer to the situation.

That is why we rely on friends and various media sources to keep us informed.  Our time- and space-limited beings are curious about what is happening beyond the filters that govern our daily lives.

What have you seen?  What do you know?  What is important?

Is there a difference between what is close up and beyond?
(Photo:  View from the Window Seat - Larry Gardepie)

Continuing with this same airplane-position analogy, as we hurtle through space and time, our views of the clouds and landscape below constantly change.  The same is happening in this fast-paced and interconnected world: each day brings new stories, facts, opinions, and analysis.

How do we keep up and stay informed?  What do we vet or make up?  Are our conclusions up-to-date and accurate?

How do we see ourselves?
(Photo credit:  Banksy Art - Facebook download)

Why is this important?  Whether we realize it or not, the awareness that our positions and perspectives can change -- and are changing -- is important.  It affects how we see ourselves and how we dialogue (or not) with others.

If we can change our position (physically, mentally or emotionally), doesn't this mean that the other person can change as well?

In other words, awareness opens us to See Beyond our current -- possibly limited -- assumptions or conclusions about others.

Questions to consider this week:

• What sources inform and create us?
• How are these sources influencing our image of the world?
  
• Are there Questions Unasked about another position or perspective?

And most importantly:  are we aware of areas where our positions or views may need to change?

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

All Will Be Well

Louise Penny, a Canadian author of murder mysteries, wrote one of her recent novels during the COVID pandemic.  In this book, she shares the struggles of her fictional characters with the isolation and after-affects of the pandemic:  the joys of being together against the landscape of societal divisions, wanting to return to some semblance of normalcy opposite suspicion and uncomfortableness.

As the characters grapple with illness and death, she describes society's hidden mindset of suspicion and mistrust that is now exposed:  the Dark Shadows of our human nature.

When adrift, do we focus on Darkness
-- or Light?
(Photo: Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

One phrase is repeated throughout the novel:  "All will be well."  A wish.  A hope.  A desire.  The human spirit longing to be healthy... to be whole... to be Family Gathered together.

This pandemic has presented an invitation that might be wise to accept... time to reflect on what we saw, heard, experienced... and now believe:

• What did we struggle against and what did we accept?
• Were we willing to listen and learn... from our experiences?  From others?
  
• Can we adapt to a world changing beyond our finite understanding?

 

At the end of each day, what did we learn
-- and what did we miss?
(Photo:  Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

 While reflecting on "All will be well," I wondered if I can:

• Be well when others are not?
• Understand your joys and sorrows unless I ask... and then listen?
• Accept that my "normal" may not be yours?

It seems that for us to get beyond the Pandemics of Isolation, Division, and Indifference, we must care for one another.

Can we acknowledge that each day is new
and different -- and let go of "normal"?
(Photo:  Sunset at Sea - Larry Gardepie)

 

With one week of this New Year behind us, I am trying to unhook myself from social media and news a few hours before bed.  I am trying to slow down and reflect on that day -- without judgments or values attached:  What happened?  Did I listen to understand?  Were there Questions Unasked or Unanswered?

 

And then, when I lay my head down on the pillow and seek a peaceful night's sleep, I repeat several times, "All will be well."

 

May you be well this week.  May we be well together!

 

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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