Glass half full, half empty, OR... refillable?

As the Buddha once said; "Life is a creation of the mind." Shakespeare put it another way; "There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so." 

Perspective influences everything, what we see (and experience) in our lives has more to do with how we see it. Most of us are familiar with the phrase: "Is the glass half full or half empty?" This refers to people being able to see things either through the lens of optimism, or pessimism. But what if, instead of looking at it through the either-or principal, categorising, we can look at things from the middle way, the grey area? Ultimately life is constantly changing and more often than not situations, people etc cannot be judged in absolutes, there is always context, influence, subjectivity involved which cannot be taken into account if we decide conclusively all of the time. In this way we only ever really then see reality as partial, not as it is or could be. 

We also limit ourselves if we always decide conclusively through black or white thinking, criticism, judgement, stereotypes, without deeper understanding or offering a solution. Oftentimes in conversations people are more interested in proving a point, "being right" or have the need to be seen to be on the "right side" that nuance is missed, in search of evidence, proof of our limited thinking minds, no real effort to seek resolution or an alternative way of seeing. We are in a time of information overload, so much on offer at our fingertips, yet it seems we are becoming increasingly lazy in really understanding the information. Knowledge is not simply about collecting more data, knowledge becomes powerful only if we have direct experience, taking time to test, theorize, apply and adapt to new information as it arises. This is Yoga. Discernment, right knowledge, Vivekakhyati. Through the practices, over time, we unravel our rigid ways of seeing and being to slowly evolve into something more open, honest, free, less attached to a fixed identity. More in tune with the nature of the world, our inter-connectedness. 

Yoga Sutra 2.33: "Vitarka-badhane pratipaksa-bhavanam" advises when the mind is disturbed by destructive, negative or harmful thoughts or tendencies arise, such as anger, greed or delusion, one should consciously contemplate and cultivate the opposing principles. This is not about suppression or forced positivity (spiritual bypassing), but about shifting the energy of the mind to restore balance and prevent negative actions.  

This circles back to the glass. The statement of it being either half full, or half empty, fails to take into account the realities of our human experience. Let me elaborate; things happen, both good and bad, we need to know and experience both in order to know the other (Yin/Yang). So, when we meet difficulty, grief, suffering, it is necessary to feel the emotions that come with the situation. If someone we love hurts us, or passes away, we need to acknowledge, go through the shifting emotions, whilst also not dwelling in them for too long. We cannot fake being positive or happy about something that is not. Thus, allowing these emotions to transform, move through us, so we can once again ride the crest of the wave and allow ourselves the opportunity to once again feel joy, happiness, awe and wonder. 

So, I leave you with this reflection. Sometimes the glass is half empty, sometimes the glass is half full, and we simply don't have much control over what goes on outside of ourselves, but if we can see that the glass is always refillable, we can perhaps find more peace and ease in our day to day lives. 

Thank you for being here and taking the time to read through these longer emails and reflections, and I hope they spark something within you to continue on in your journey with deeper love and understanding for Self and others. 

I have launched all the details for my upcoming retreat 24-31st October on the beautiful, untouched island of Koh Yao Yai, Thailand. My brother Dane will be assisting me on this, and for those of you that know him, and me, you are in for a week of fun, deep learning and great conversations!
Check out some of the previous post on my website blog section for all the details and send me an email to book or if you have any questions. (From 207$pp per day sharing, all inclusive, ex flights)

Although there is much turmoil in the world, this is the perfect opportunity to reset, dive deep into practice and develop the tools to find peace and joy from within. 

Peace and Om xxx

Kirst

If you are interested in some further reading on this subject: Transform Your Life with the Power of Perspective | Positivity 
Why The Glass Is Neither Half Full, Nor Half Empty 
2.33 Turning things around (pratipaksha bhavana) – simple yoga 

Thank you for reading and being part of my little community, I appreciate you. If you would like to follow my Instagram account @breatheandplay.home (or on Facebook) I will be sharing more information there in future on all things health and wellbeing. And if you're into following classes online, consider subscribing to the YouTube channel: Breathe & Play - YouTube