You’re Not the Pinball – Seeing Life Differently

“Our thoughts are the divine paintbrush we use to paint a picture of how we observe and relate to this reality we call life.” Sydney Banks

I heard this quote many years ago, and now I realize I missed the real power of it. Syd Banks was not saying I could create any circumstances I wanted. No, he is saying that how I observe and relate to the reality I see is up to me. That is so much more interesting!

I am old enough now to have a large body of experience in this life. As I scroll through some of those experiences, I can see how in the moment, I might have been thrilled, frightened, furious, worried, or many other emotions, given all that I’ve seen in this life. There were times when I felt like life was a pinball machine, and I was the pinball! Lately, though, I’ve noticed that those very same circumstances can be viewed in all kinds of ways, through all sorts of lenses or palettes, and I experience them differently.

I have several artist friends and clients, and they use so many different mediums to express their insights and art. Some of them have developed the skill to “paint” their lives as well, and that is truly magnificent.

An example from my own life: when I broke my upper right (of course) arm in mid-November last year, as soon as the surprise and shock wore off, I was able to see creativity and new ideas everywhere. This was essential as I am right-handed, so I need to learn how to get through life with an injured wing, and neuropathways developed for my right hand! It became a challenge of sorts, learning I could not get out of my waterbed yet, so best not to get into it, and figuring out how to dress myself with one, non-dominant hand. And don’t get me started with showering!

The main thing I noticed, though, was that I very quickly realized that the limitations in my circumstances were not a limitation on my imagination. And with imagination, I could try new things, and constantly remind myself that I knew how I wanted to feel moment to moment, and could have that experience, if I was patient, clever, and open. I could relax into what was happening, and explore what was possible now. I soon found that I could still enjoy life and live well. How wonderful!

Begin to consider that the filter through which we see our circumstances is the picture we are painting. The driver behind me is impatient and honking? Breathe and don’t judge. Let them safely pass by. Don’t take it personally.

My arm is sore after a PT session? Consider this is what healing feels like, and look for incremental progress. And always remember: what we look for is what we find. I remember so clearly when a close friend purchased a bright yellow Corvette years ago. I did not know they made cars in that color! But from the day I saw that car, I saw bright yellow cars everywhere. Hmm…

Give it a go, and let me know how your painting is going!

If this resonates, I explore a related perspective in Reflections in A Pool of Circumstances