KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Importance of empathy and exploring different perspectives.
- Noticing the tendency to label others as “good” or “bad” in political discourse.
- Recognizing personal biases and preferences.
- Using coloring pages as a metaphor to reveal hidden beliefs and assumptions.
- Practicing patience, zooming out periodically, and embracing curiosity to gain a broader perspective and discover unexpected truths.
By comparing life to a coloring book, we uncover insights into beliefs, perceptions, and the importance of embracing different viewpoints for growth and understanding.
Expand your perspective and observe the broader scope of world events beyond your limited perceptions. It’s never as easy as black and white.
After the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, I have been inundated with news reports and conversations from friends and family wanting to know, my thoughts. The common thread with these conversations is the question, “Who’s right, and who’s wrong?”
The pervading mentality is, “We are the good guys, they are the bad guys.” The fact is, there are good guys and bad guys on both sides of the camp.
The mentality of “us versus them” has become a major issue in our country. There is always more information that needs to be known than what the eye can see. It is foolishness to think we know the full picture when in fact we only know our first impressions.
While we often believe we have a complete understanding of the situation and can predict the future course of events, it is essential to remember that all individuals involved are complex human beings. They carry with them a mix of emotions, past traumas, cultural backgrounds, personal beliefs, and spiritual practices that shape their perspectives and actions. These diverse elements contribute to the intricate tapestry of each person’s life, influencing their decisions and interactions in ways that may not always be apparent on the surface.
Highlighting right and wrong detracts from finding meaningful solutions. The essence of the kingdom of God manifesting on earth lies in righteousness, goodness, healing, hope, and love. Shifting the focus away from divisive debates allows us to prioritize what truly holds value and fosters unity among individuals.
Introducing a Metaphor and Method for Noticing Biases
Its a Mystery
As a creative individual, I often engage in certain activities to keep my mind occupied while processing thoughts. One common practice of mine is playing computer games or enjoying electronic coloring book games. This helps me stay focused and productive during these times of contemplation.
A particular one that I thoroughly enjoy is the Zen Color app. As I’m coloring the pages it offers, I am noticing my thoughts, my behaviors, my assumptions, with each picture that I pick out.
While exploring the assortment of coloring pages, I’ve noticed my inclination towards specific categories. I particularly enjoy food-related images, cultural depictions, patterns, flowers, nature scenes, and various other themes and options available.
While browsing through the coloring pages, I’ve become aware of my biases towards certain types of pages. It makes me ponder the possibility that if an algorithm tracked my preferences, it would likely present more of the same types of pages, limiting my exposure to different options. This realization raises concerns about missing out on exploring a wider variety of pages and experiences.
The Mystery page, which used to be my least favorite in this app, has surprisingly become the most intriguing. With this feature, you begin coloring without knowing what the final picture will reveal.
I finally gave in and decided to try one of these pages. Interestingly, my youngest granddaughter adores them due to the element of mystery they hold. She is quite curious and enjoys the anticipation of what will unfold. Just something to keep in mind.
Noticing, curiosity, and reflection on coloring pages can offer valuable insights into how we approach life and interactions with others. As I delve into coloring a page, I observe the intricate details revealed by zooming in and highlighting different colors. Each color uncovers a new aspect of the picture, mirroring how our beliefs and expectations shape our experiences. Just as in life, where we anticipate certain outcomes based on our assumptions, coloring teaches us to be open to unexpected surprises.
Zooming in allows us to focus on specific details, much like forming beliefs or opinions, while zooming out provides a broader perspective, akin to understanding the bigger picture. We tend to seek validation for our beliefs, eagerly looking for evidence to confirm our existing views. However, like filling in tiny dots on a coloring page, reality may present itself differently than we initially thought.
Stay Curious ... Keep Noticing
Approaching life with patience and curiosity, akin to completing a coloring page methodically, can lead to a more profound understanding of situations and individuals. By resisting the urge to jump to conclusions and instead embracing the mystery of others’ perspectives, we can uncover new insights and avoid imposing our views onto others. This mindful approach not only enriches our interactions but also allows us to appreciate the diverse colors and patterns that make up the intricate tapestry of life.
Zooming out to gain a broader perspective, both in coloring pictures and in life, allows us to grasp the gestalt of a situation. Just as we analyze the message conveyed through illustrations, we can reflect on how we engage with the narratives unfolding before us. Are we actively participating, making assumptions, or holding back? Recognizing our role in shaping these narratives is essential for personal growth and understanding.
In navigating complex and tedious tasks, such as intricate coloring pages, it’s crucial to permit ourselves to step back when overwhelmed or fatigued. This practice of self-compassion extends beyond coloring activities to our daily lives, serving as a valuable tool for managing stress and emotional triggers. By acknowledging our current mental state and honoring our boundaries, we pave the way for healthier coping mechanisms and self-care practices.
Acknowledging the unexpected outcomes that coloring pages can reveal, mirrors life’s unpredictability and the importance of embracing surprises. Despite initial disappointments or deviations from our expectations, engaging fully in the present moment often leads to profound realizations and a sense of calm satisfaction. By approaching challenges with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, we can uncover hidden beauty and insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Embracing curiosity and patience not only enriches our personal experiences but also enhances our interactions with others. By actively listening and seeking to understand differing perspectives, we foster empathy and mutual respect. This mindful approach encourages growth, acceptance, and deepens our connections with those around us.
Ultimately, the metaphor of a coloring page serves as a reminder to approach life with intention and mindfulness. Each moment presents a new opportunity for reflection, learning, and growth. By observing, participating, and appreciating the diverse colors that life offers, we can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude, understanding, and harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.
SUMMARY
The importance of empathy and exploring different perspectives.
- Noticing the tendency to label others as “good” or “bad” in political discourse, and how this detracts from the focus on righteousness and the kingdom of God.
- Notice preferences or personal biases.
- Life challenges expectations, revealing the unexpected.
Using coloring pages to reveal hidden beliefs and assumptions.
- Reflect on your beliefs and assumptions while coloring, realize they may not align with the colors revealed.
- Practice patience as details are discovered and addressed when filling in the colors, discovering unexpected truths, and challenging belief systems.
- Reflect on your artistic process, noticing the importance of zooming out periodically to appreciate the overall picture and avoid jumping to conclusions.
- Permit yourself to take breaks and approach new elements with a fresh mindset, especially when you might be feeling stressed or exhausted.
- Reflect and recognize patterns thoughts and emotions.
- Identify core beliefs underlying conversations, recognize fear and shame, and seek to understand their origins.
Meditation, reflection, and accepting life’s colors.
- Discover the health and mental benefits that come with this fun and creative tool to appreciate different perspectives.
- The importance of understanding belief systems in personal growth cannot be overstated.
- Reflect on the insights you gain when recognizing that we receive a harvest from what we sow Pay attention to your thoughts and actions as each day’s events present themselves.
Audio Recording
This is the raw, original audio recording of my thoughts for this blog post. Only the post above has been edited from my original words. (Things read differently than when we speak, don’t they?)
Zen Color app
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APPLE: Zen Color app
GOOGLE PLAY STORE: Zen Color app