Thinking expansively, rather than personally, offers a different lens
that leads to a different question - one that fits the cultural creative
mindset, but also promotes compassionate action rather than self-involvement: What
can I learn so I can live with greater integrity, empathy, wisdom, and
kindness?
When we ask ourselves continually what we can learn from whatever comes
our way and from whatever effects our own actions cause; when we refuse to
personalize events and instead cultivate a deeper, more far-reaching
perspective, we will not only break free of the cocoon of self-involvement, but
also find ourselves more ready and able to stretch beyond our yoga mats into
the wide world that needs us.
I practice Aikido and yoga because of globalization. I also practice
change-making to benefit other people, other species, and the earth because of
globalization. The primary tool I use to find a balance between inward and
outward work is asking this question about all my choices: What will do the
most good and least harm to myself, other people, animals, and the environment?
Note that I include myself in this equation.
Widening our perspective isn't about self-sacrifice
or self-neglect. It's about seeing one's place in the world for what it can be:
personally gratifying and powerfully engaged in making a difference. – Zoe Weil
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