Week 34 - Exploring Alternative Viewpoints

Week 34 Activity

EXPLORING ALTERNATE VIEWPOINTS

In the film Dead Poets Society (1989) the teacher John

Keating, played by the late Robin Williams, tells his

students to stand on top of their desks to see the world

differently. How often do we do this? We can become very

attached to our own particular viewpoint (often with

ourselves at the centre), but if we look at things differently

all kinds of possibilities open up.

This week the invitation is to explore the theme of alternative viewpoints.

Physically choose a different perspective. For example, when we are feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to look out of a window, find an open space, climb a hill, or go to the top of a building. Engaging with the wider world encourages us to look outward rather than get caught up in an internal struggle. We can use the environment to support and strengthen our internal state of mind.

Explore viewpoints in relationships. We can become irritated when something doesn't go our way, but if we can pause, take a step back, and see it from a wider perspective we may notice that what is occurring isn't personal, but is down to a host of other things. Or perhaps there are just different options, rather than a right way and a wrong way. Our interpretation of an event is influenced by what comes immediately before it, our

mood, and our thoughts, and the last two may influence each other. Our thoughts and moods affect how we feel physically in the body, and these felt sensations affect our thoughts and moods. This constant cycle can work against us, or we can harness the knowledge it provides. How many different viewpoints can you come up with to a particular situation that is current for you?

Project ourselves into another person's viewpoint. This could be someone who is very different from you, perhaps someone from whom you would normally shy away or whom you might judge. In their shoes, how would you feel, react, and behave? Be honest!

Open your eyes and explore new perspectives.

MEDITATING REGULARLY

As we have seen, before and after brain scans of novice meditators showed that regular practice led to increased activity in the temporoparietal junction, the area concerned with perspective, compassion, and empathy (see page 81).