While sheltering in place these past several weeks, I have been thinking a lot about how we will live and do things differently once we emerge from the pandemic crisis. I have also been pondering a re-imagining framework of personal integration. How do we want to grow toward becoming our best selves, and how will we live that right now and when we live our new normal?
The Longing to Connect
We long for connection and meaning in the world. What will help us get there? Of what are we in control? Very little; only ourselves What are we doing to live with an intention that brings meaning to our lives and our world? The mystery is that we have to prepare for our future while living fully in the present moment. This mystery is that we only have the gift of this day, only this moment, while at the same time, we are goal-oriented, process-improvement focused, dreamers of living a better life, and growing towards becoming our best self. That process of growth is a lifelong journey.
A Tripod and A Camera
I have been thinking about a framework to help me integrate my life into living as my best self. I am a photographer, and I use a tripod for taking better shots than when I hold a camera in my hand. The tripod allows for stillness to happen so that a sharper and clearer perspective comes in to view. A re-imagining framework is a method or workflow that integrates pieces into becoming a stronger whole.
The camera tripod has become a metaphor in working on a system for personal growth. It is a way to help me see elements of personal growth, spirituality, virtues, mind, body, spirit that come together as the whole of our being and propel us to live and interact in the world.
Re-Imagining Framework
The Re-imagining Framework has three parts: Base (Core Values), Tripod Legs (Personal Growth), and Camera (Mindset).
First, reflect on how you stand out in the world? What is at the base of your values that keep you rooted in the core of your authentic self? What core value do you stand upon when you interact with the world? Gratitude? Love? Respect? Energy? Purpose? Others – what is it for you?
Second, the legs of a tripod create strength and steadiness that holds the camera in place. You can take better photographs with a tripod. The tripod legs represent categories of personal growth. For example, relationships, health, well-being, spirituality, religion, finance, time management, etc. What are the three areas of growth that you are strengthening in your life right now? The areas of work do not have to be static. You can change what you are working on at any time. The idea is that working on three categories at a time will help you improve the overall areas of personal growth. With what types of growth do you most resonate?
Third, think of the camera on a tripod as the lens through which you encounter life with your perspective, being, action, and living. The camera is your mindset of how you will interact with the world around you. Your mindset can be kindness, generosity, love, positivity, compassion, joy, mindfulness, soulful living, etc. What is your lens of being, your mindset that drives your actions?
When you put together the base of your core value, the three areas of personal growth you are working, and the camera lens of perspective and mindset, this becomes your framework for living as a healthier and more grounded authentic self. It is simple, comprehensible, and actionable.
An Example of the Re-Imagining Framework
- My Base – At the core of my being is a spirituality rooted in gratitude and unconditional love for others. This spirituality is where I stand and pitch my tripod of life.
- The Tripod Legs – Three things I am working on right now to get better are work/life harmony (productivity/time management), finding meaning in everyday life (spirituality), and fostering creativity (creative development).
- My Camera Lens – my perspective on life is positivity and giving others the benefit of the doubt when I seek to understand and interact with the world.
Summary
To summarize, I am rooted in spirituality. I interact with the world to serve others by leveraging my strengths of growth mindset, productivity/time management, and creativity. My mindset is positivity and seeking the best in others.
I am working on this framework daily. By no means am I perfect at it or live a whole-hearted life with excellence all the time. I have experience of living as my best self in moments of ordinary life, and I desire to live life more fully every day. There are times of incredible insights and progress. Other moments are opportunities to learn from my mistakes, forgive myself, and prepare for another chance to practice and grow toward authentic living.
Your Turn
Think about your life and looking forward. How do you want to spend the rest of your days? Are you becoming the person you dream of becoming?
Consider this re-imagining framework as a way to help you work on becoming your best self right now and in the future. There are no right or wrong answers. What is most important is to find and develop a system that works for you.
I welcome your comments and insights.
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