Glenn Stewart Coles, 9251 Yonge Street, Suite 8-924, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, L4C 9T3
Text Box: In many of life’s situations, perceptions are ruled by training. Each person tends to think and react in certain ways, and even erratic behavior can become predictable. From the type of information gathered to internal methods of analysis and problem-solving, our style of thinking dictates the reality that we experience. In order to break patterns and make transformational changes, it is first necessary to understand yourself. The concept of ‘thinking outside the box’ involves approaching topics from different angles. One way to do this is to ask for the opinion of others. In many situations where I considered solutions to be thorough, others have revealed innovative perceptions just by asking different questions. Sometimes additional information changes the solution, or sometimes just changing the problem reveals the answer. When you truly learn to think outside the box, it becomes possible to introduce many different solutions to the same issue. Something I was reminded of recently is that there is a bigger box. While I have applied innovation to many aspects of my life, there are some areas that still need work. Addressing the very core basics of health and income, there are adjustments that I can make to lead a better life. While I am content with who I am, I desire to be more content. While I have experienced much, I can also experience more. Transformation of self is the objective of many different practices. From Buddhism and Taoism to Falun Gong and Tai Chi, practitioners are taught to dedicate each moment of existence to improving self. From Toastmasters to athletics to the shamanic arts, participation is improved through practice and the betterment of skills. In everything we do, from dusting a book to building a skyscraper, there is the potential to do things better. It is always possible to evaluate self at any particular moment. Are my thoughts, actions, behavior and intentions leading towards self-improvement or away from it? Of course, rationalization plays a big role in this game, and from a simple viewpoint even an afternoon nap can be self-improving. As long as there is balance and progress in one’s life, many different decisions lead to the common good. It is important to distinguish between self-improvement that enhances the whole, and self-gain that simple moves things around. When something is taken from another, or when another suffers for your gain, the world is not a better place. Enhancement of self should add to the sum of society, the creation of new energy and substance that makes things better for self and others. While the concept may sound simple, if everyone did it we could be living in paradise. It is also important to release self-judgment. Identification of choices and options may lead to guilt, worry, and emotional pain. Part of self-enhancement is letting these feelings go. By learning to appreciate who you are, what you have done, and what potential lies in front of you, the path to self-growth becomes apparent. © Copyright Glenn Stewart Coles, 2006 First Published November 26, 2006

Subscribe to

Weekly Inspirations

Outside the Box

 

It becomes possible to introduce many different solutions to the same issue.