I love everything about this essay. The logistics of travel, particularly air travel, can feel like a crucible, a trial in which we must encounter ever aspect of humanity including our own in a very concentrated form. All the feelings, particularly anxiety, are ratcheted up to the highest notch. It is also a period in which we are reminded how little we control from the way the rules are applied to whether or not the plane will stay in the air. At some point along the way I began to view that moment when we are all strapped into our seats on the plane as the signal that we had all become a tiny village for a while in which we all depended on each other. It is more practical than it sounds. It’s easier for me to observe the good moments as you so well describe but also to get through the difficult ones.
Oriah taught me this years ago and I know it’s true. Everyone is doing the best they can in the moment. Sometimes we have more to work with than others. But truly holding onto it it challenging moments is definitely a practice! (And realizing that accepting it doesn’t take away accountability for actions.) the more I work on excepting this about myself, the more I accept it about everybody else.
Beautifully said. I agree. Very hard to gain that perspective, but it’s the ideal! It’s hard for most of us to truly empathize with others, really put ourselves in others’ shoes. Imagine being a TSA worker. Imagine working at the DMV. Ya know? Imagine all the people you have to deal with! All the bullshit!
Loved this, especially since I confirmed flight reservations this morning. I have become much less tense while traveling, and just try to stay out of the way and enjoy people watching. I wholeheartedly agree that if we all assumed everyone is doing the best they can, the world would be a better place. Well, easier to live in, at least.
Loved this. Thank you.
I love everything about this essay. The logistics of travel, particularly air travel, can feel like a crucible, a trial in which we must encounter ever aspect of humanity including our own in a very concentrated form. All the feelings, particularly anxiety, are ratcheted up to the highest notch. It is also a period in which we are reminded how little we control from the way the rules are applied to whether or not the plane will stay in the air. At some point along the way I began to view that moment when we are all strapped into our seats on the plane as the signal that we had all become a tiny village for a while in which we all depended on each other. It is more practical than it sounds. It’s easier for me to observe the good moments as you so well describe but also to get through the difficult ones.
Your post reminds me of this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwiOQlNbqdA
I guess I’m in the acceptance line. I don’t get mad at anyone too often. Just a couple of negative fuckers who piss me off. 😜
Check that. I now remember losing my shit at JFK because no one cared
Made we smile all the way through. Even before the random deer. Thank you.
Oriah taught me this years ago and I know it’s true. Everyone is doing the best they can in the moment. Sometimes we have more to work with than others. But truly holding onto it it challenging moments is definitely a practice! (And realizing that accepting it doesn’t take away accountability for actions.) the more I work on excepting this about myself, the more I accept it about everybody else.
This is wonderful, and such wise advice. I need to adopt this approach more often.
Beautifully said. I agree. Very hard to gain that perspective, but it’s the ideal! It’s hard for most of us to truly empathize with others, really put ourselves in others’ shoes. Imagine being a TSA worker. Imagine working at the DMV. Ya know? Imagine all the people you have to deal with! All the bullshit!
Loved this, especially since I confirmed flight reservations this morning. I have become much less tense while traveling, and just try to stay out of the way and enjoy people watching. I wholeheartedly agree that if we all assumed everyone is doing the best they can, the world would be a better place. Well, easier to live in, at least.