Moving away from rigidity
As we age, we become stiff both physically and mentally. It is not only our muscles and bones that become rigid, but also our little egos and identities that lose their fluidity. We like to think this is who we are and this is how we will be till we reach the graveyard. Then one day something happens in our world that shakes us completely and makes us let go of our rigidities. It is then we are willing to pave the way for life to flow through us.
“A rigid mind is very sure but often wrong. A flexible mind is generally unsure but often right.” – Vanda Scaravelli, Author of Awakening the Spine
Bonding with strangers
We as adults need answers to these basic questions for us to pay attention to a stranger. Despite all the knowledge, we only end up having superficial interactions.
Who are you?
Where do you come from?
What do you do?
What is in it for me?
Will we be interacting in the future?
The two basic things that can connect two people instantly are eye contact and a genuine smile. It means to let go our inhibitions and simply connect with someone whom we barely know.
“There are no strangers here. Only friends you haven’t yet met.” – W.B. Yeats
Context vs Environment
There is a saying that a change in your environment can make a difference. Hence, many change careers and even countries in the hope that their situation will change. In reality, it is the change in context that brings about the change. Context is our inner reality with the outside world and environment is the external reality itself. In one setting, I can see myself as a learner who wants to know more or as someone who has seen and done it already. One context makes life interesting and another makes life a dull boring business.
“Sometimes your greatest strength can emerge as a weakness if the context changes.” – Harsha Bhogle, Indian cricket commentator and journalist