Friday, October 5, 2012

Growing Up

"Getting old is inevitable. Growing up is an option."

It's funny how many directions this little quip can send my brain. And then my old beliefs catch up and add a little color to the tapestry.

I'm really beginning to look at growth as part of my life and awareness, since it is a huge part of what I do with my life and in my work. And this concept of growth has really hit me full force after my experiences over the past two to four years.

In terms of growth, I was thinking of a young child, and the bursts of growth they experience and that we observe in each day/week/month. And yet, we have no judgment about where they are in their growth. They are where they are, in their physical abilities, their speech, their social skills, and their spiritual awareness.

And do we have the same compassion for those around us? I know I am grateful for the tolerance of everyone around me over these many decades, to accept and allow for my place in my growth. To find the joys of my innocence, to tolerate the gaffs of my social ineptitude, to observe my blooming essence.

Now it is with this compassion for, and acceptance of, myself that I can connect with everyone around me. Perhaps I am the 4 year old instead of the 2 year old, and there are plenty of people more developed than I who can show me by example. I also have the opportunity to be the presence in others' lives as I grow up and acquire new skills that give me joy and peace, while living in the Universe that is my playground.

1 comment:

Sally D said...

Larry, this is a powerful post for me, as I have normally compared my progress and/or development to others who seemed further along the path. Your statement about children rang true:
"In terms of growth, I was thinking of a young child, and the bursts of growth they experience and that we observe in each day/week/month. And yet, we have no judgment about where they are in their growth. They are where they are, in their physical abilities, their speech, their social skills, and their spiritual awareness."
A wonderful perspective.