Now that we have contemplated how to enlarge our window on the world, we need to consider how to keep it clean. Why? Because, as William Blake's aphorism suggests, "If the doors of perception were cleansed
everything would appear to man as it is - infinite."
I don't know about you, but the sens
e of endless possibilities excites and motivates me.
So, here are some ideas that appeal to me to keep my windows on the world clean. Of course, all my usual
Getting UnStressed & UnStuck suggestions and much more could fit here as well.
1) Apply
Rule Number Six"Don't take yourself so damned seriously," as Rosamund and Benjamin Zander suggest in their wonderful book
The Art of Possibility. I highly recommend the thoughtful, entertaining and practical ideas the authors put forth.
2) Have you ever heard of the 'one-buttock' technique for shifting your action and therefore your perception? Well, here is your chance. Get a sense of Ben Zander's wit and unique approach to "
looking at life with a squint" by indulging in this short
video that demonstrates Zander's take on the practical application of awakening possibilities.
2) "Reality doesn't bite. It's our perception of reality that bites," says
Anthony J. D'Angelo. So, if you feel the pain from the bite or the
sting, take a breath and first anchor yourself. See or imagine what aspect of your perception at that
moment might be causing you pain. Picture somebody else in your place. Imagine how you could offer up a new or differing perspective or possibility to that person. Then apply it to yourself and see what happens.
The story known as
"The Rabbi's Gift" serves as a brilliant example here. It illustrates how just envisioning a particular possibility encourages and nourishes amazing shifts in perception, behaviour and action.
3) Re-awaken and strengthen your sense of awe, wonder and mystery, which feeds your heart and soul. After all, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
For more ideas on the subject, references to other sources and a collection of
wise words for your leisurely contemplation, visit my
website. If you have ideas or kernels of wisdom to share, I invite you to post them
on
Martina's Musings or on my
Facebook page, or
email them to me.
Most of all, proceed with care, compassion and gentleness in all of your cleansing efforts. May your windows and doors open wide on the Infinite.
