During my senior year of high school I had an extraordinary AP English teacher who not only ignited a deeper love of reading but also engaged my class in lengthy discussions about authors, painters and philosophers.
English: Paul Cezanne's art (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What I learned in his class I continue to carry with me today. That is the sign of a great teacher.
I clearly remember one particular discussion about the great French artist, Paul Cezanne, who my teacher explained painted still-life as if he were looking down at his objects from a higher plane. Cezanne accomplished in his paintings what some writers are able to do in their work, by stepping outside of themselves to see the world from a different and sometimes clearer perspective.
I am not a scholar on the works of the Greek philosopher Plato but I do know that he wrote about entering a higher (or ideal) plane of consciousness. Plato's basic tenets of idealism are similar to Cezanne's method of painting still-life - stepping outside of oneself to take a closer look at the world around him.
I've often applied this concept to my own life, particularly during stressful times. Stepping outside of myself gives me a chance to re-examine a given situation in a new and non-judgmental way. Doing this - taking another look at things - has been helpful and often changes my thoughts, opinions and feelings.
I have found this concept to be, time and time again, extremely helpful in removing some of the stress of every day life, allowing me to become a more joyful person.
Why am I writing about this now? Because last year was not my banner year for several reasons. There was one exception, and that single moment made up for everything else. Perhaps someday I'll write about it instead of being so vague, but for now let's leave it at that.
Before the new year began I found myself once again leaning on the philosophy of Cezanne, Plato and Mr. Sherburne, my English teacher. I stepped outside of myself and glanced over the events of 2014 to try and find a silver lining.
What I found is this: There are things beyond our control that can leave us feeling sad, lonely or hurt. Unfortunately that is a part of life.
What we are in control of are our thoughts and deeds. Changing our perspective and looking at things in a different light can ease stress and worry. It's freeing to lighten your load, paving the way to a life that's more joyful because you've eliminated negative thoughts.
Now it's time to focus on YOU and continuing to work on the life you've always imagined.
END NOTE: The year 2015 began with good news after hearing that An Empowered Spirit won third place in Healthline's Best Health Blog Contest. I'm grateful to so many readers who unconditionally supported the mission of An Empowered Spirit by voting for it.
I heard from people I know and others I've never met. Many took the time to share, like, tweet, private message, email and re-share the contest. And without my knowledge (at first) my dear mother created her own email list to ask people to vote. Pretty savvy of her, don't you think?
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported An Empowered Spirit. I felt your love.
Wow Cathy, great perspective. I too am learning to "step outside"in order to see better. Congratulations on your win and starting the year off with a bang!
Congratulations on your win! I am so happy for you. I hope that 2015 is better to you than 2014 apparently was. I agree with you on so many of these things and the things you said make so much sense we can all take a page from your book. Be happy, be healthy in 2015.
Maybe the campaign for Empowered spirit was just what you needed to take your mind off the other things. Congrats on that. Yes as Eleanor Roosevelt once said: In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html#BGOrTmBq9w2lqd1x.99
Shifting perspective is such a valuable tool Cathy, and one that we can use continually - not just when things feel or appear really good or really bad - to see what is right there but we are not paying attention to for a whatever reason! I have found some of the greatest gifts in my life right in front of my face and all I needed to do was a take step back to get a clearer view! Being present in each moment is soooo key to thriving, isn't it? Love this piece so much.
Great advice! It's often difficult to look at ourselves objectively, but it can provide many insights that may otherwise be missed. Your teacher sounds like a gem; Cathy. I love that he wove art and philosophy into the English curriculum.
Can't say I remember that exact lesson, but that was a superior class and he was a tremendous teacher.
Here's to a year filled with mostly good things (well, it's tempting to say ALL good things, but let's not be delusional!).
I find it necessary to detach, and look at things from different perspectives. Right now I am sitting in a hospital room with my ill husband, and from my seat things don't look great. BUT. I am sure there will be good news today, Randy looks better, and I am determined he will get well. Right now, the moment is peaceful. I'm grabbing it.
Your blog always brightens my day! I thank-you for that my dear friend. xo
Congratulations on winning 3rd! You're tops in all our books!
Stepping outside rocks! I'm always telling my daughter to do that too because she can get so self-focused at times. She loves it when I remind her. I had a college professor that moved me to tears when he spoke...I will never forget him. Thanks for helping me to remember those moments.
I had a few teachers like that back in my high school and college years, too. Sometimes I think I'd like to BE a teacher, since mine had such a lasting impact on me.....maybe in my next reinvention. You deserve to have a fantastic 2015, Cathy, my friend! xoxo
You're so lucky to have had an inspiration like that and to have taken the lesson and applied it to you life.
It's amazing how a good teacher can impact your life. I always tell my kids they can't change anything except their own reaction to something. Congrats on your well-deserved award - to me, you are always #1!
First, big congratulations on your award! Well deserved! And second, re: "things out of our control..." YES! I recently finished The War of Art, and this is a subject I've been thinking about and incorporating into my work-related thinking quite a bit of late, and reading that today just reinforced it and, I don't know if it's the extra bold roast I'm drinking, or that paragraph, but I'm leaning toward the paragraph ;), I just got a rush of adrenaline and a really good feeling of well being from that. Thank you! Excellent post Cathy. Looking at things from a different perspective, be it work, art, life, can be a real game changer and extremely freeing.
Third place is pretty darn good. Hopefully it will get you the well deserved recognition for you and your advocacy!