The Invitation of 360° Perspective

Over seven years ago, when my mom passed, there were so very many people that showed up to honor her life. Many of them took the time to share stories about my mom and how she had touched their life. Before her passing, if asked, I would have indicated that I knew my mom quite well. After her passing, it was clear I knew my mom from a very small perspective. Initially this was as that of  mother daughter, then as a grandparent and, eventually something that moved beyond the traditional roles. 

Throughout all of this, I continued to share bits and pieces of my life and expected her to listen. Later there was more reciprocity in this exchange. Yet, there seemed some seemingly impenetrable boundaries based upon our initial role.

My perspective of her and her life was but a few of the 360 degrees of a person, based on what I observed and what she shared. I was not involved with her relationships with a whole myriad of other people in her life. People she influenced and people that influenced her. One of my fond memories of those times near the end of her life and then at her passing celebration was the outpouring of stories. While not the full 360° perspective of my mom, my perspective expanded immensely beyond my perceptions. 

I can’t help but think and wonder what it would be like if these perspectives were expanded earlier in our life journey. Would I be so quick to judge the person who is opposed to something that I embrace? Probably not. Might I more readily find the commonality between us? Absolutely!

Perspectives invite a broadening and an opening into a few more degrees beyond which we typically see. We never know the journey that someone else has taken. Rarely do we fully understand the journey that our life has taken us thus far. Expanding mindset can be uncomfortable: am I willing to be uncomfortable to see beyond the established frame of reference? 

Earlier this morning, as I guided a private experience at a resort, it was me who could see Camelback Mountain. The perspective of the participants was towards me; they could not see the beauty of the mountain at sunrise. As they were invited to turn around and thus enjoyed the splendor of sun rising over the mountain what would have been otherwise missed. What might our life be like if we are open to the willingness to turn around 180°?

There are many ways to broaden perspective. One is to expose ourselves to information and points of view from a source we avoid. For me, this is also an exercise in mindfulness as reactive patterns are felt and noticed. 

Inward perspective often comes from quieting and connecting with the quiet still Voice. I find somatic movement, guided meditation, and the waves of sound in the form of gong and crystal bowls to help connect with inward perspective. Because these practices are nourishing and grounding for me, I get to offer these to other people. And I am grateful! 

Consider joining me for one of three (or all) upcoming sound bath immersions over the next few days (click here for my calendar). It just might provide another perspective of you. As our perspective and inner knowing expands, the fear and avoidance of another perspective might just diminish so that we can expand our understanding and deepen our relationships with people and Source.