We sometimes find ourselves stuck with one view. We are all capable of this and its not always great. We get stuck in our ways and are unable to see things from another perspective, and this in turn, cuts us off from seeing other potential routes which could essentially be better than the path we are currently following. It can also be to the detriment of personal relationships. This is a whole subject of its own that I would love to cover – but in another post. This one is more about the fun of shifting perspective through a game – through play… and this was what I chose to do today for my Something Different experience.
There is a fun exercise to do to shift mental perspective – broaden our view, jolt us into a higher dimension of creativity and open a new space of wellbeing, and that is to actually take a moment to look at our immediate world from a different angle or perspective. You can spend an entire day playing this game or even just play it for 2 minutes. The length of time you take to do this exercise is entirely up to you and your personal circumstances… but doing it can be a very fulfilling experience.
Take a moment and do things like looking at the tree in your garden from below or lie down on your floor and look up at the ceiling – turning your head slowly to look at everything above. Look at things from an upside-down position (for a few minutes only), or slowly turn around in a 360-degree circle absorbing as much detail of your environment as possible – without judgement or criticism – only as an observer, as if you are not really there. Notice how all the angles you are familiar with all sit in a different place. Observe your pets from their perspective by getting down low with them, or thoroughly inspect a common object from another angle. Take your time with each exercise… it can really work to shift your mind into a better place. I am not a doctor of the mind… but by trying this through personal experience, I know it works… and it is also fun, so you get the added benefit of giving yourself some playtime, which as we know is so exceptionally good for the human spirit.
I took a video of a few of my ‘altered angles’ today. Please check it out if you are curious. And if you decide to play the same game, please share the experience of it with us in the comments below. Please remember though that this is a game and be gentle with yourself. Please do not get yourself into awkward positions that could cause you harm. Enjoy the experience! I did!