In life, we spin.
In the spin, we unintentionally getting caught in a pattern of predictable movement. Same way, same direction, viewing the same things, repeatedly. Knowing there are other ways, even discussing them, tweeting them, blogging about them. It just becomes part of us and we don’t even realize it. Telling ourselves that we are doing something. Over. And over. Innovation? It’s out there. We can see it. Touch it. Know all about it. But we continue to spin. Locked in a series of reasons why change just isn’t possible, rotating.
Just like this Ferris wheel. While we were on that wheel we saw amazing perspectives of skyscrapers blocking the sun and creating city shadows, a pile of garbage that down below had been hidden by walls, tiny cars buzzing through the city streets, and a view of the Olympic rings in Centennial Park. A different view of the same things we had been walking in the midst of each and every day. A view that opened our eyes to a new perspective .
The wheel we were on eventually stopped, and we hopped off when the door was opened. Although I think I could have stayed in that peaceful little air-conditioned windowed capsule for a few more hours, it’s a good thing we didn’t. We may have been completely comfortable and enjoying the view, but we would have missed so much. Just a few hours later, the sun was disappearing and the the view from the windows of the Tabernacle next door was way better than the *big* box of crayons. It’s a view I would have missed if one of my awesome roomates hadn’t said, “Go look out the window, now.” Or maybe she just held up her phone and I ran like I was a kid running for the last cookie. It was a good thing I did. At the top of the steps, I saw the wheel lit up against the sunset. I’m not even sure which part was more amazing, nor that this fuzzy instagram could ever possibly do it justice.
But, as the sun set, the black sky provided a backdrop for the streams of color, it was a view I could have honestly watched all night. A view we would have missed inside the capsule. A view I didn’t even know existed until someone pointed it out. I’m pretty sure when I stepped outside, I sounded like a lot like Will Ferrell from Elf…. but it. was. amazing.
The ride on the ferris wheel? It’s not about moving in the same direction. It’s not about being comfortable. It’s not even about spinning. It’s about living with your eyes wide open. Seeing the world with your heart. Because only then can you really connect to others. Not about being right or wrong. About sharing, openly. Sharing. Embracing the authentic perspectives of others, while shaping your own. It’s about looking through the photostream of life and realizing that processing someone else’s view willdefine, create, and strengthen your own.
And? If’s about hopping off the wheel at just the right time, knowing that a new perspective might feel like an uncomfortable journey in the dark, but as long as you have great people to share it with, you’ll look up and realize that you are enjoying every bit of the ride.
This was just my view. Check out Flickr photos tagged “Skyview Atlanta,” and you’ll see just how valuable the perspectives of others really are.