Blinders

I have been in hermit-mode; cocooning self to heal and re-balance after coming out of the other side*.

I couldn’t “see” for self much while going through this journey, so am now able to start looking to see some of the how’s and why’s (isn’t hindsight wonderful?).

I am a workaholic, and had really spread myself too thin; and from November 1st to now, I have been afforded the opportunity to slow down, catch my breath, re-evaluate, re-balance and begin creating anew… able to look at a bigger portion of the experience and take responsibility for how I did it before; move forward now without stepping back into the workaholic role.

As I rebuild my physical body I am also checking with myself as to what to create next.

I have ventured back into photography (a hobby of mine).

I love photography; a snapshot; a single view; a momentary glimpse into the photographer’s world.

When viewing another’s photographic work, I often wish I could see more – the photographer has piqued my interest. When I was younger, I used to turn the photograph over, hoping to expand the photograph and see beyond the frozen scene. I had questions about the scene; I explored.

A photograph has blinders on – it only allows you to see that one precise moment and limited scene, nothing else; the viewer does not physically see anything else.

Blinders On

I have been observing interactions and posts (both before and after the imposed censorship) – and am alarmed by some of what I am reading/seeing.

I am seeing an increase of intolerance – and some even tinged with hate – with political views (which I thought would stop after the elections, but have just become more fervent), ethnicity, belief systems, etc. – these can be some mighty powerful, and dangerous, blinders.

Wearing blinders does not protect anyone from being held responsible for their actions or non-actions. As long as there are voluntary blinders on, the negative behavior goes unchecked and is provided the opportunity to grow and thrive.

It’s time to stop wearing blinders, accept responsibility for all aspects of one’s own life (and everything that entails); don’t believe everything you read/see/hear; ask questions, and look at the full scene.  Your life isn’t a two-dimensional photograph – there is much more to see and know.

*(Damaged jawbone; surgery; complications resulting from reactions from antibiotics and the crossing over of our cat family member of almost 17 years.)

by Jan Toomer