A bright flare of sunlight through the trees resting on a forest of plumed green moss. From first glance, the moss could resemble a leafy coniferous woodland, a tiny thicket for the miniscule life that is right under our feet.
A matter of perspective
I’ve been wanting to do a blog for a while now about the theme of “matter of perspective”. Magically enough, the photo that best represented this in my last blog was voted for the most – just goes to show that the small synchronicities that may just feel like coincidences are strongly present in our day-to-day lives.
Sunshine brings a strong reminder of spring days and growth. Moss is an often overlooked plant, but it is also brought to light (pun intended) as bringing awareness on having a matter of perspective. From our normal vision, it’s simply a blanket of green that covers the ground. But from a snail’s vision, moss appears as a tiny forest sheltering organisms like nematodes, tardigrades, mites, and springtails.
Perspective. “A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.” It’s how we see things, how we look at a situation and deal with it. Depending on what our perspective is, a situation can vary greatly with a different mindset. We all have perspective, and it’s important. But it’s also important to change our matter of perspective from time to time.
It’s truly difficult to get past seeing everything through black-or-white lenses. Everything is becoming increasingly polarized and sometimes it’s just easier to pick a side and blend in. Humans adapt to situations to a fault, giving into peer pressure and losing themselves to please others or slip past unwanted conflict.
But it’s important to recognize that it only takes a matter of perspective to change an entire mindset. Changing the way we think can alter the way we see everything else, and changing the way we see can change the way we think.
A forest can be profit, or it can be home. An ecosystem can be something to use to our benefit, or it can be an important catalyst. An issue can be seen as a setback, or as an opportunity.
Lately it’s been hard for me not to feel overwhelmed and honestly a bit terrified by all the complexities in our world. There are so many intricacies in every part of living that I’m finding it simply doesn’t work to look through those black-or-white lenses. So, that means accepting all of the complex layers of life, and casting the lenses aside. Which is not as easy as it may sound – but it is doable with practice.
This spring, I invite you to find new ways of looking at things. If you think you’re a loser for losing a game of cards or backgammon, why not try changing your view to an opportunity to be more satisfied when you do win? If you’re tired of the same scenery and same old, transform your perspective into that of a tree, or a bird, or even another person. Instead of looking down at the ground, look at the ground from the ground! Look at a tree from a tree’s view. Sit on a stump and try to see the world from a squirrel’s perspective. Expanding our view can give us an enlightened and more grateful being.
It’s only a matter of perspective away.
Love the picture and the words dear daughter! <3
Thank you, Mom! <3
I changed my perspective of my role as a geologist. When I first started the profession, I saw the Earth as a store house of riches to be exploited. After listening to the questions the Grade 3 students asked, when I taught them about rocks and minerals at many different schools, I began to understand the need to ensure humans don’t destroy ecosystems while mining different resources, so future generations can enjoy living on a healthy planet.
As for backgammon, there is only one perspective to take…winner takes ALL, except when playing Grandparents!
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Thanks, Gramps! I really appreciate your comment. It’s truly important to change our perspective from time to time – to take a walk in another’s shoes (or paws, or hooves, or leaves…) if you like. Thank you for sharing!
ps – well, backgammon is very forgiving – there’s always another game to play, more dice to roll. And you’re the one who needs the replay!