Seeing from a Different Angle: What It Truly Means
You’ve probably heard the advice that in a difficult situation, it can help to look at things from a different angle. But what does that really mean? 🤔
Stepping Out of Our Own Vision
When we step out of our own vision of things, we also step out of our narrative of how things are or how they should be. Looking at things from another side isn’t just about adopting a new perspective; it’s about stopping the incessant focus on our own. This shift can be incredibly liberating.
Beyond Our Own Narrative
Many times in our lives, we get caught up in our needs, our hard work, our sacrifices—always focusing on "our" perspective. This self-centered view can cloud our judgment and limit our understanding. When we make a conscious effort to give space and look beyond our immediate concerns, we step aside from the ego. This act of stepping aside is not about diminishing our experiences but about broadening our awareness.
The Power of Empathy
Empathy is the natural result of this broader perspective. When we push ourselves to see from the point of view of another being, we start to understand their fears, their struggles, and their joys. This understanding leads us directly to love and compassion. 🌟
In acroyoga, this principle is incredibly valuable. Imagine you’re performing a trick that feels super easy for you but is terrifying for your partner. Instead of focusing on your own experience and skills, try to step into their shoes. See the situation through their eyes. This practice of empathy can transform your partnership.
Practical Application in AcroYoga
Next time a trick feels easy for you but very scary for your partner, remember to:
Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to acknowledge your partner's perspective.
Communicate: Ask them to share their thoughts and feelings about the trick.
Reassure and Support: Offer encouragement and adjust your approach to make them feel safe.
By stepping aside from your own experience and truly seeing through their eyes, you can give space and hold space. This practice fosters a bond much more powerful than any trick and supports both of you on your journey together. 🤝✨
A Personal Experience
Recently, while filming flows for our classes, we encountered this challenge. The process of filming often leads to frustration because of a feeling that “it doesn’t look good enough” or “it needs to be perfect.” To counteract this, we decided to shift our perspective. Jolien suggested, “Let’s pretend we are demoing for our students,” and it worked very well. 🎥✨
