how to teach an old dog new tricks.

I was in a writing class once where we focused on changing our perceptions of ourselves and the world in which we live. We would try to pay attention to things we normally overlooked, like how our feet felt at any given moment. Or we would brush our teeth with the opposite hand and then write about that experience. In class, we would stand in the middle of the room, everyone facing whichever direction they wanted, and that is how we would have class. We searched for different ways to word things and became much more intentional with our actions—this enabled us to write about those things in a clearer, more comprehensive way.

It’s really easy, and sometimes quite comforting, to be in a place where things are normal. And I do believe there is value in stability. But I also think there is much value in learning new ways of seeing and being. I think doing so can add to my ability to relate to all of humanity. I think doing so can give me a greater appreciation for this life. I find it’s good to not let myself become too comfortable, for there is always more to discover; comfort can encourage me to remain stagnant. And I believe one of the most important parts of life is the process—changing perceptions can keep that process in motion.

In my life, there are tons of little and big patterns that dictate my time and my choices. The little patterns—I go to the bathroom as soon as I wake up; I always put sugar and cream into my mug before adding the coffee; I fix my bed every day, even if that fixing takes place ten minutes before I get into it for my night’s rest. And then there are bigger patterns, such as the ways in which I interact with others and maintain relationships and make decisions. And there isn’t much inherently wrong with any of these patterns—but if I were to tweak one of them, even slightly, it would awaken my mind to a new way of being.

There are certain things, certain patterns, like buying my food from a grocery store, that if I were to commit to change would illuminate one of these other ways of being. If I were to decide to only eat food I could produce on my own, or if I were to commit to following my trash to the trash dump, or if I were to decide to drive through down-town on my way to work instead of taking the interstate, well, then I would be teaching myself something new. I would be entering into an act that would allow me to understand what life is like for many other people.

These changes are hard to maintain over long periods of time, but as I go throughout my days, I try to remind myself to be open to different perceptions and different ways of being. If given the opportunity, I try to make a decision that will show my mind and soul something different than what it is used to. Even if it’s through reading books and articles about these different ways of being, those words allow me a new context through which I can examine my own life. It’s only through this examination, I believe, that I can remain in motion.

Thankfully, it’s never too late to change and try something new, even if just for a few moments.