I believe that employing phenomena in a useful manner—whether it be trauma, good fortune, skills, weaknesses, money, time—is largely dependent on my ability to shift perspective and seriously entertain others’ points of view.
With a flexible perspective, I can assess the merit of a given occurrence with a clear perception, one that isn’t clouded by my own pet peeves and entrenched biases.
Dirty Sci-Fi Buddha 
“Those who cling to perceptions and views wander the world offending people.” The Buddha
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B’BAM! That’s what I’m talking about, haha!
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Thought you would enjoy confirmation of the wisdom of your flexibility;)
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Many thanks! Indeed, I have found that one can arrive at those ancient realizations by following the basics those sages espoused. Ironically, I’ve met a lot of Buddhists who just like to quote stuff but don’t want to do the grungy work of embodying the basics. Things don’t seem to work out so well for them.
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appearances are like words that way.
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I knew an American Buddhist who denied that the swastika was a Buddhist symbol of good fortune and prosperity, meant to symbolize the Buddha’s footprints and heart.
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Hahaha! Feelings before evidence—an ironic example of the failure of “detachment.”
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It is good that ignorance is curable, whereas stupidity is chronic.
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Indeed! 🙂 People who’re willing to admit they’re wrong or don’t know instantly have my attention. People who demonstrate they’re willing to do something have my respect.
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Have you read Don Miguel Ruiz little book The Four Agreements? (There is a fifth agreement, but I think the four are great agreements to make with yourself.) What you just wrote pertains to the First Agreement, “Be impeccable with your word.” Sounds easy, but doing it can be a challenge.
Okay, here are all four agreements:
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.
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I’ve heard of it, haven’t read it. Yeah—the best things are often simple…but difficult.
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