See Yourself Outside Yourself

Apr 29, 2011 13:02

A really interesting thing just happened to me. This morning, I'm editing some video footage that Nicole and I recorded last year for a video about the Foundation's services. It has been fun watching the different takes we did - some where my coworkers flubbed hilariously and some where they just nailed it. When they're speaking from the heart ( Read more... )

navel-gazing

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Wonderful! bedora May 14 2011, 22:40:43 UTC
I love that you had this experience...I can sort of imagine what it would be like. I look at pictures of myself the way someone might look at a bad accident, repelled but fascinated. This reminds me of a couple of recent experiences: I work with students who are struggling for one reason or another and when they come to see me for the first time, they often will have their "stupid face" on. In the past I would believe the affect: here's someone who isn't that quick. But then, as we talk about the brain and learning and we analyze what the actual obstacle is, his or her face transforms! The smart face emerges and I start to see the actual person there. Of course, it is more than the face. Posture, energy, everything changes.
Part of it comes from labels we accept from others or put on ourselves ("skinny and beautiful, fat and ugly"). Added to it is the perception that others are looking and judging us. Yesterday I was at our graduation and there was a young man who I observed walking in with the rest. He looked like he was a member of our family-big with a vulnerable look on this face. He had gotten a gown that was two or three sizes too small, was wearing blue and white sandals that I have always called Israeli. His cap, on the other hand, seemed to be too large as it was falling off his head. He looked miserable and my heart broke for him. By the time he walked across the stage, he had gotten his cap situated and was composed. Later, as I was following the faculty out, I smiled at him and he smiled back, happy.

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