Author: Marjorie

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It’s Important How I See the World

The world unfolds for me based on my perspective.

“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.”

― John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live in

In a world created from a singular point of view, the value of community might be overlooked. It’s easy to be tripped up by variations of these idioms:

Motivated perception – where we see what we want to see; is a real thing. This bias impacts me every day. A real conundrum when I’m focused on trusting my instincts!

But when I share my story with compassionate, kind souls; they help me see my blind spots. My companions reveal me.

Nurturing a steadfast, caring network is an ever-evolving venture. People come and go. Things change. Circumstances shift. My squad reflects a never-ending dance of letting go and being smitten. A balance of give and take.

Recently I was introduced to “Ayni” – “the concept of reciprocity or mutualism among people of the Andean mountain communities.”

“Ayni is responsibility and respect. Ayni is love and compassion. Ayni is everything. And it is us. Reciprocity.” – J. Wilcox

This awareness of sacred reciprocity for each other, with nature; the world at large feels basic. We’re connected in a mutual exchange of energy. “Ayni is gratitude, respect, honor and reciprocal living.”

Being a member of a people that practice Ayni appeals to my imagination. It motivates me to that mutual exchange. When we support each other, we initiate miracles.

We Are The World
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I’m Alive and Doing Fine – In a Good Way

Everywhere I look are messages – they’re ubiquitous and relentless. Some are for me, some not.

“Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery
Breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that
Can’t you read the sign?”

My social conditioning began before I was born. But those cultural structures that compelled a way of life felt unnatural to me. So, rebellion and cheekiness became my routine. That served me well for a long time. Then it didn’t.

Serendipity and providence brought me a community that teaches the definition of insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Seriously. So, in order to not drown in the deep end of the pool I listened and took note. And watched for my signs.

Being inclined to figure out the messages meant or me – only me, not you; takes willingness and persistence. A healthy dose of self-awareness is essential, as is a dash of stubbornness. Not everyone is eager to inspect these deep crevices; but I’m game to take the red pill.

Deconstructing the life I was born into and creating one I want to live takes energy. It’s an evolving, repetitious, uncomfortable yet rewarding calling. Some days its full steam ahead. Others I’m running on fumes.

Looking for and trusting MY signs is important. They tell me when to leap with no obvious landing pad in sight. When to power through “the long slog between starting and mastery.” When to rest and fill my tank. How to keep going.

There is no end point on this journey. The journey is the point.

“So, I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, “Thank you, Lord, for thinkin’ ’bout me. I’m alive and doin’ fine.”
―The Five Man Electrical Band; Signs

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Hello World – Show Me Your Secrets

Traveling is a siren call for me. Exploring places outside my element is appealing and enlightening. It shows me that my sliver of the world is microscopic in the grand scheme.

Privilege and limitations become obvious when I step outside my comfort zone. The appreciation I feel walking out in the great wide world runs deep. Yet not knowing the local language, verbal or written, reminds me to be patient and persistent. And willing to be awkward.

My husband and I visited Vienna and Budapest – without a detailed plan. Our agenda was spontaneous within a basic outline. We knew where we were staying, when and how we’d get there. But our excursions were in the moment. We asked for help along the way. And found it from our hotel concierge, locals, other tourists – and serendipity. It was an adventure and a challenge. A moment in time to remember.

And true to form, coming home is sweet satisfaction.

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

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Big Change – The Hard Way or No

The prospect of big change, of any kind is daunting. It’s easier to simply carry-on in the grooves I live day-in-day-out. But life is about growth. Without expansion l stagnate – and maybe grow a little bored.

So, I set my sights on my dreams and aspirations – and take baby steps in that direction.

Making small changes; that one-degree turn, is manageable. Take a step – see how it feels. Allow the discomfort to ease. Practice. Practice again, until its second nature. Then take the next step.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear reminds me that while small, these shifts are powerful. Building on the psychological tenets of habit, including the works of Charles Duhigg (The Power of Habit), he offers some simple and practical suggestions, like “master the entry point” . . .

Make that first step SUPER small (atomic); and say: “I will xxxxx”

Then add when . . . “I will xxxxx, at (time)

Finally, say where . . . “I will xxxxx, at (time) in (location)

There are habits I want to reinforce related to meditation, exercise and writing. So, I made an atomic habit tree to nudge me down that road.

Funny how just opening a document on the computer propels me forward. Knowing when and where these modest actions take place work my brain in the direction my heart wants to go.

Cultivating healthy habits; mental, physical and emotional is a lifelong endeavor. This concept is found in many disciplines; from science, business and psychology to Buddhism.

What I do and how I think is crucial to my happiness and well-being. Taking small steps every day will make all the difference.

“A nail is driven out by another nail; habit is overcome by habit.” ― Erasmus

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