Learning, unlearning, and the seeking of the balance in between the two, are possible ways to minimize my ignorance. This is always easier said than done.
Side note: Individually looking at trees - their branches are actually so irregularly free, unlike what's usually portrayed in paintings. Systematically looking at trees - There are so many that have fallen, stuck in between tree trucks, so perfectly imperfect.
Speaking of my hike, I learned 3 lessons:
3) Constantly challenge perspectives that I hold.
This picture captures my view of the sky filter by the trees.
Without my experience being outside of the forest, I may believe that this segmented view is what the sky should look like.
I want to be tranquil like the waterfall.
To seek the truth myself. To hold full integrity in everything I do.
2) Set the highest standard for myself, and do not expect too much from others.
I use to blame many of the miseries I hold on others. I am learning to eliminate it.
My dad, who tried to also capture the moment, failed. Because he missed the right time and his phone was out of GBs to store the picture.
1) Opportunities do not await for you. You have to be ready to grab it. The idea of luck, it exist, but its pre-condition is hard-work and persistence.
To take these photos, it required the plants be at a certain height, at a particular spot, at a certain time of a day, with a certain weather. The shadow that looks like a tiny heart required observance. Shortly after I took the picture, it went away.
Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am) is not a philosophical cliché. Decartes nailed it with 3 words. 😯 And it can be interpreted in a variety of depths and perspectives.
It's not the place that determines me. It's my mind that determines myself.
I went on this long hike over the weekend. I've been on this route many times. I know how it goes and where to go.
I like the idea of the exploration of newness rather than repetitions of what I already know. I always waned to get out and see the world, and to explore the unknown. Is it human nature? 😎
But I am beginning to learn, especially during this time - that to endure mundaneness builds one's character. You need to be creative and selective in the way you perceive things. It is harder to do things in a smaller place with limited resources, but it also allows one to become extremely creative and look where others aren't looking.
I realized that it's the shift of mindset and perspective that determines my emotions, and the level of happiness. The power is truly in the beholder of the eyes.
Enjoy the now; Live in the moment. Like they say. From my current understanding, it's a mindset like muscles that need to be practiced and developed over time, although it comes more naturally for some than others. For the ambitious, hustlers, and visionaries, I myself identify as one, who share the traits of always forward-looking, and I used to perceive being comforted in the now as cowardliness.
It is true to an extent that it is extremely hard for people who are not blinded by what is brought up to the front to be happy. When one's more critical and cynical, it takes extra deliberate practice to be happy. Also, what even is happiness? Like colors, the red I see may not be the same red in everyone's eyes.
Striving for happiness no longer equals feeling settled so that it stops my personal growth. Instead, now I see it as a challenge, a great challenge that gets me thinking and excited.
Nature is truly an incubator of wisdoms, ideas, and transparent thoughts.
also, although there's no comment section yet, my inbox 📧 is always open: p.cynther at gmail.com. I am curious to hear & learn more perspectives. 🙏