Blind-spots
January 16, 2013 § 27 Comments
If self-awareness carries the assumption
that we see ourselves clearly; can it not also carry the assumption
that we see ourselves dimly, with blind-spots? Like looking into
the reflection of a worn mirror.
Would not this realisation move us to feel compassion for others -
seeing them blinded by blind-spots?
What if this new self-awareness led us to be humble?
Would not this kind of humility be truly humane?
~ Kelly Hartland
I think very few people have 20/20 introspection, myself included. Your insight I believe is true – it would generate a lot more compassion. Personally I’d never see self-awareness beyond the spots as inhumane. It is better to know your limitations in advance.
Absolutely!
Yah, I don’t see self-awareness beyond the blind spots as inhumane either. And being aware of ones limitations can bring a softness to the human experience; and with some it can bring defensiveness. But that’s it isn’t it? We just have so many blind-spots – I can’t see me for looking!
I’ve basically been rambling haven’t I? Your comment is a great one – sorry not to do it justice
Thanks Tom.
[...] Blind Spots [...]
Thank you Undertaker – very good of you to share this on your blog!
What a great post Kelly. This is very similar to “First remove the plank from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the spec from your brothers eye” (Luke 6:42). Self-awareness is one of the most difficult things to do. Buddhism teaches about mindfulness and that is a good practice toward self-awareness and right action toward others.
Again. Well written post Kelly. Nicely done.
Thanks mobius, for your thoughtful comment – nicely said.
I agree, self-awareness is very difficult. And if I give it concentrated thought, I would say it is improbable that we can be completely self-aware. There are so many elements that make up who we are today – elements we are not even aware of.
Thanks again mobius – always a pleasure to have you visit
Reblogged this on •whirlwind•rider and commented:
How beautifully expressed Kelly. You’ve pinpointed a transformation I’ve been experiencing lately. A few months ago I began sifting through the wreckage of an old blog and seeking to understand the dissonance that screamed in each post. Without being able to articulate why, I unconsciously began a new blog with this new definition of self-awareness. At best we see through a dark glass dimly… humbly and thus more able to see others and ourselves more compassionately. We switch from expert to artist.
Thanks for reblogging this vincenzo
The more I think about self compassion – the more I see how deserving of it we all are.
Just for starters – what about the idea that we have been influenced since before birth; how did our mothers ‘feel’ during our pregnancy? What did she eat? Medication? Then there was our birth. Our baby-hood. Our child-hood. What has happened to us that we don’t even remember, let alone comprehend?
What if there is a spirit realm? How may we of been influenced by this?
The list of the possible nuances of what makes us who we are today, goes on and on. In reality we cannot even comprehend ourselves – yet we think we have the ability to judge ourselves? And the idea of judging another? It seems laughable, does it not?
Once again, I have rambled in response to a great comment.
Thank you for your honesty vincenzo – I’m loving the aphorisms and thoughts that you create and share on your blog – it’s such a great thing to be transparent with ourselves; it’s as restful, as it is hard work.
It is indeed paradoxical to say that the clearer we see, the more aware we are of our limitations, yet that is the reality. We never come nearer to God it seems until we see our brokenness, helplessness, utter bankrupt state, though on the surface all seems fine.
It is an honor to have you as a friend Kelly and exchange deep treasures day after day. There are people who make us feel like a grain of sand, and others that lift us to the heavens. You are that latter-kinda friend…
um… just between us aphorists never ramble… they explore their many options before condensing that’s all… hehe
Wow!
Thank you for your friendship vincenzo, I too am grateful.
And I am astonished at what you said about aphorists not rambling – just exploring our many options; tis true that it can feel like an internal ramble.
!
It takes an explorer to know one… Kelly. Thank you for the intuitive wisdom you bring into my life each day that come in the most inviting and disarming packages.
Aww, you just made me smile
But it’s not my fault
you are just an amazing forest or aforest …. well you know
Ha! Am I being too honest in saying – that I only just got your joke; Ha! that was good!
Ah, i have a new one Kelly… how about this “sometimes we cannot see the aphorist for the trees” hehe
I love this! And thanks for following my blog…
Thanks Amy
A composer of music – I’m just ‘very’ curious.
Here’s a sample.
https://soundcloud.com/jazzrascal/sets/my-joy
They sound great! ‘Cosmic Puzzle’ lifted my spirits, and I really enjoyed ‘Franks Feelings’.
Well done! No wonder you get lost in the process of creating – it must feel amazing to compose!
Uh oh, not sure how Frank’s feelings got in there…that one’s not mine, it’s my friend Frank Bennett’s…he’s playing piano, too. Only the big band stuff is mine..
Ah. So Cosmic Puzzle is yours?
Yes, all the pieces with the horns are mine.
Wow! I’m impressed Amy. Thanks for sharing
I’m really glad you enjoyed it, Kelly!
A wonderful and informative description of blind spots.
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I live in Australia – it’s definitely not snowing here, and where I live; not at all.
You’ve got some great pics