One of the distinct differences I have encountered since living on the other side of the world and in a culture equally foreign is our approach to adversity.
The Western (or American) mind that I grew up with is that obstacles are immovable and we need to innovate how to overcome them either on our own or with the help of others. Once we find a route or method that works we generally leave it behind for someone later to use and also overcome more easily.
The Middle Eastern mind seems to view obstacles as mere objects that can be potentially moved out of their way regardless of whether or not it’ll become an obstacle for someone else. Therefore, rather than find a way around, they try to negotiate a way to avoid leaving it to someone else to sort out for themselves.
While there are merits and demerits in both, I obviously struggle with the one that is not mine.
My university students used to frustrate me with their constant efforts to negotiate out of homework or learning – the whole purpose of getting educated – when they could use those same skills to study and excel in the subject. ๐
This remains the same no matter what age…. Six months of study in the art of yoga and teaching is not much. Yet, people want to do the bare minimum or find a way to do less…! ๐ณYoga teachers have people’s health and wellbeing in their hands and so this attitude is worrying and yet it is not so uncommon…. ๐ณ
My arrogant (with reason๐ฌ) western perspective is conflicted with trying to find compassion and understanding whilst pushing for excellence and standards….
Am I crazy? ๐
~T ๐
