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.
