I have been traveling on weekends for the past several weeks. Each Saturday morning, or Sunday this week, I turn to my habit of putting a few thoughts into words. It would be easy to view my writing practice as work, a job, or a demand. In some ways, it fits that category, as it is my expected contribution to the Riding Far team’s effort to connect with and offer something to our community.

This morning, my writing has me reflecting on perspective and its powerful impact on our thoughts and feelings. A snapshot might capture a moment of discomfort or frustration, or it could just as easily depict a moment of ease or joy. Each moment is like a note that reveals a truth, but that truth pertains only to that moment. What does that moment mean? Can a single image, or even a collection of images, capture a meaningful part of the whole?

If we take a video, we capture a series of moments moving through time. This offers more context and allows us to see the flow of energy, much like a few measures of the music of our lives. It provides more information and opens the door to understanding how our experiences, both within ourselves and with others, are connected. It reveals qualities like playfulness, conflict, or partnership. At times, it hints at our dynamic power to create and influence the nature and impact of our lives over time.

When we string those videos together, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, a deeper understanding unfolds. Songs emerge that tell of stuckness and stasis or growth and change. We learn about the process of unfolding, about what leads to what, and about the world of possibility. If we are fortunate, we gain insight into our character, connections, and personal style. We discover the beauty of shared joys and connections, as well as the extraordinary gift of growth and our willingness to take responsibility for ourselves. We also see the healing and beauty that come from repairing ruptures we have created in our relationships.

So, I leave you with a simple thought today. Whether you are judging yourself or others in this world, be careful not to stop at one note. Better yet, challenge yourself to seek more than just a few measures. As I listen to the songs of my life, I gain a deeper appreciation for my strengths and failings. I also feel a profound sense of possibility and am inspired to keep singing. ~ Paul

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