The Art of Perspective
I used to get so frustrated when people couldn’t see things the way I saw them, especially the people that I love the most, and it wasn’t because I needed to be right, but because I wanted to share the beauty that I saw in the world.
People would always call me an optimist and say that I always saw the glass as half full, but that just never sat right with me. The glass is neither empty nor full. It is simply a glass. For me, life is about what you put in the glass and whether or not you choose to drink it. So the other night at dinner, I happened upon one of those magical moments that only reveal themselves when you stop trying. Our adult daughter is back in our orbit again after a year abroad, and while we are overjoyed to have her near once more, there is a conscious recalibration of our new family rhythm that is required, and it demands patience, space, and breath.
It is not lost on me that this is a precious opportunity to be as in the moment as we can with each other and to refrain from filling in the very spaces that we are trying to create with assumptions, interpretations, and well-intentioned quick fixes. So it had been the first home-cooked meal that night that we had shared together in our new place since she returned, and it was quite late when we decided to take a walk together in the rain.
It was dark as I walked slightly ahead of my daughter and husband on the dampened sidewalk, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying listening to them chatter as they trailed behind me. The misty rain felt amazing on my face and I smiled as they followed me in no particular direction.
Okay, full disclosure. I kind of hoped that this place that I had seen before was going to be open. Remember when I said I wanted to share the beauty I see in the world with the people I love? Well, deep down, I hoped that they would enjoy this place as much as I did when I had seen it the other day on my own daytime walk. I had no idea if it would be open that night or even if we’d get that far, but I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say I had a wee bit of an agenda.
In any case, they followed, and I savored the moment, reminding myself that even if we never got there, it was already perfect. Well, we did get there, and when we did, my heart sank a bit because it looked so desolate in the parking lot. Still yep, ever the optimist, I thought I’d try the door anyway, and even though it looked like no one was there, it opened.
I was delighted. Well, the soda plant did not disappoint. Out to the South End Arts District in Burlington, Vermont, where art never sleeps. Fairy lights were strung from the lofted ceilings of what was once a rundown soda bottling plant for Venetian ginger ale. Everywhere we looked there was art and the place looked like it had been transformed by fairies.
What followed was truly a masterclass in perspective. You can learn so much about a person by what they see.
And that magical evening was no exception, as we laughed and learned more about each other and delighted in discovering and interpreting the art that was all around us. We wandered around the cavernous warehouse finding art in every nook and cranny. Even the fire hoses and the fuse boxes became art in our eyes.
We giggled, asking each other, is that meant to be art? Is that a display? We learned a lot about each other and about ourselves that night as we considered our different points of view. It was so refreshing to exchange thoughts and ideas freely, without argument or without seeking agreement.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to art, just an invitation to see.
You know, there’s an opportunity to apply this lesson to the interpretations that we are so quick to make in our day-to-day lives. Interpretations are one of the most common inner energy blocks that hold us back from experiencing a more fulfilled life. When we don’t consider other points of view, we are limiting ourselves to seeing the world in just one way.
So I’ve set an intention to not interpret the reasons why Haley is home with us right now. The glass is neither half-full nor half-empty. It is simply a glass, and while she is still here, I choose to drink her in and savor every single moment.
I’m Lisa Hopkins. Thanks so much for listening. Stay safe and healthy, everyone, and remember to live in the moment.
All content © 2023 STOPTIME: Live in the Moment.
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This article was originally published on TheatreArtLife.com. Written by TheatreArtLife contributor Lisa Hopkins of Wide Open Stages.
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