Evidently norms are not my passion.
In high school I remember finding security in math and in college, freedom in physics.
Physics is the science that deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. Wow! My college self interpreted this as vastness. Magical thinking.
Mathematics is the study of numbers and how they relate to one another. My straight-A high school self interpreted this as finding the only correct conclusion and drawing a box around that answer.
When I found physics I ditched math!
I’ve read that magic doesn’t like living in a box. I think we often believe that others want to put us in a box. I try to examine the ways that I, not others create the box. It seems natural that we all experience some degree of discomfort when confronted by “outside the box” thinkers. Making it harder to just listen rather than jumping ahead to wondering. 🤔 Do I agree or disagree with this idea?
My practice toward authenticity includes developing behaviors that invite others into my magical thinking. Without expecting them to get it. (agree). Not necessarily an easy practice.
I try to avoid thinking “I am who I am, get used to it” Or “if you don’t like it lump it”
I specifically try to engage with people unlike myself. And rely on a smile or gentle shrug of the shoulders to convey the idea that it’s okay with me if you think I’m a little different…or confusing…or misinformed.
I also train my interior voice to be a gentle voice. Not defiant. Gentle, Self-love and acceptance requires daily practice.
For me, as I make a commitment to the practice of self-love and acceptance I find it easier to live creatively. Love expansively. And appreciate more fully both the challenges and gifts of life in and outside the norms of culture. This makes me a pretty good candidate for travel and exploration. Once again I thank you for joining me along the way. See ya in 2024 🎉🥳🥰
AND FROM STEVE
Don Miguel Ruiz, a small town Mexican of Toltec descent taught that life is a dream state.
We get to practice changing our thoughts and emotions and intentions and allow others to create their own dream. Hope your dream today includes a lot of self-love for the beautiful person you are .
Steve & Debbie’s Grand Adventure 
Ah so ! Neither math nor physics were of interest (or knowledge thereof) in school. My older sister convinced me rather easily to “Take latin instead of french or spanish…” It worke.. Now I can’t speak any of ’em ! In Graduate School {my caps}, I discovered that “I was conceptual…” (a form of intelligence). And now, yet again, I learn from my Buddhist teacher (the one with 5 H’s in his name) that concepts are not very important, after all. Good Grief ! Thinking is out and and lots of things are “bad,” except that “bad” is making yet another error in reality, which leaves me in a space in which I trust only solitude, even if some smart wizard claims that it’s not OK….. @gaines
LikeLike