New Horizons... and Shifting Perspectives - Part Two

The Universe speaks (?)... through a Horoscope: Sunday, July 4Th

You might have a lot more to say than you think. Listen to a different perspective. A loved one lets you know that you are cared for. Spend more time with that person.



Perhaps the strongest "shift" in perspective for "Me" on my trip was realized through the reason that "I" had travelled to Scotland in the first place. It was easy for "Me" to set aside my art perspective and interests... to share in celebrating Allison's academic achievement and to share time with "Her"... as a family to do so.

As "I" had previously shared with you... Allison's Mother and I are divorced... but both of us love "Her dearly... and have contributed together in her early years.... then both separately... and now together for this very important moment in her life... and ours as well. This was certainly an awkward period for us all... but we all shifted away from differing personal perspectives and celebrated from one single view... to celebrate and acknowledge this pinnacle in Allison's academic journey.

This was accomplished with great pride... love and dignity for all. Even "the enemy" in former years can be seen in a different light... given that one is ready and willing to look at things from a different point of view. "I" personally came away with a sense of "liberation". My tolerance and compassion allowed "Me" to in many ways find forgiveness for my Self... for my role in the unhappy process we had all experienced."I" truly hope that "They" came away with some of that feeling as well...

Perhaps "You" might think this "too personal" to share in an art blog. "I" do not. It seems to "Me" that we are all human beings. We all share the potential to both experience and demonstrate feelings of anger... hatred... shame... unworthiness, etc directed at times towards "Others"... but at other times, we even project it on to our Selves.

The ability to shift perspectives... not only in our art... but in our personal lives and relationships as well is a mighty tool with which to dispel and control negative and destructive emotions such hatred and anger. Choosing to "shift" one's perspective is the starting point for developing a practice.... that just keeps building and building... one event upon another... to reduce and eliminate negative emotions and responses.

Instead of focusing most of our thoughts and energies upon the negative... or on the misdirected belief that "You" alone are suffering... or are hurt.... simply look about "You". "I" am always able to see a worse situation that allows "Me" to proceed more gratefully... and ready to address the problem... with a fresh... more positive ... "point of view".

Our mutual celebration... is "I" think... evidence enough to suggest that this can indeed be achieved.

Good Painting... and "shifting"... to All!