Impressed?

Impressed, Big Island, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
78mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.6, ISO 1600, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

So are you?  Impressed, I mean.

No, not about the photo.  Although I have to tell you I really like this shot.  I was walking by an art studio that was closed, and saw this through the window.  What you might find surprising is that the piece is actually facing away from you.  It's the "negative" if you will.  And I really like the textures and the light.

But I was talking about you.  Are you "impressed?"

You know, with preconceived notions, parental biases, cultural taboos, and the like.  I would be willing to bet that you are, even if you can't discern them (much like the proverbial fish who can't see the water).  So the question isn't whether you can be completely unbiased or objective.  But rather are you tuned into detecting your biases before they cause you or others any suffering?

Take another look that the photo.  Imagine that is your impression.  And see how there is no person there now.  Imagine you have "stepped back" from the impression you just made, and now you can walk around it and truly examine it.  Now you can look objectively at both your perfections and your flaws.  And decide where you want to change, to grow, to improve yourself.

That's all we can do.  One day at a time, one step at a time.  And if we are guided by compassion, rather than ego ... well, then we just might make some progress.

And truly, I tell you, that would be impressive!

Day 16: Distorted View

Distorted View, Prague, Czech Republic, May 2010,

Canon PowerShot SD870 IS, Focal length 17.3mm, Exposure 1/125 sec @ f5.8, ISO 80, no flash,

© Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Interesting US Army sticker someone put on this mirror.  I wonder what perspective they have of the US military ;-)

And how about your perspectives?  Do your prejudices and cultural biases show through?  I assume they do -- you would be a rare person indeed if that were not the case.

So what can you do about it?  Well, I think the most important this is just to recognize that you have such biases.  

Only after such recognition, might you be able to see past your distortion lens.  

Next simply try not to judge something that may be different from how you think; indeed, welcome such new viewpoints.  

Eventually you may get to the point where you do not project your distorted views onto a given situation, and see things with an open mind and welcoming acceptance to whatever is.

• Donation:  As suggested by just an "ordinary guy", donated to an animal rescue center.
• Exercise:  Walking with Carol along the boardwalk in Tel Aviv, Israel (woo-hoo) (60 mins)