I’ve always found, in new jobs, that after about three months, you lose the ability to see things through an outsider’s eyes. You become accustomed to the place and its ways of doing things. It’s not that you can’t compare your new experiences to your old experiences; it’s just that they no longer have the same ability to strike you as startlingly new. For example, when I began work at the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton as their Communications Coordinator, I found the statues of Mary and pictures of the Pope that were located throughout the building to be super odd and impossible to ignore. I’m not Catholic, so I wasn’t used to being surrounded by religious imagery, and especially not in the work place. It took about 3 months before I stopped being struck by the presence of Mary and Francis, and they just faded into the overall office decor. (No doubt it helped that the organization was progressive in its values and practices, acting upon the best of what Mary and Francis symbolized.)
It’s been just slightly more than 3 months since we arrived at our new home in Port Blandford, and I am no longer startled to be here. At first, everything was new and exciting; my senses were heightened; delight was a constant companion. Every exchange with another human being was an opportunity to learn about my new surroundings, and to share our story about moving here. I had beginner’s mind, as Zen practitioners say – full of wonder and open to possibilities. So, the question is, how do you maintain beginner’s mind while your brain is working hard to normalize your new experiences?
I just celebrated a birthday, and although I don’t believe in astrology, I usually check to see what the horoscope in the paper has to say about people who were born on this day. Amongst other things, mine said “Gratitude will be a theme because you will appreciate the everyday joys and beauty around you.” That’s encouraging, but was probably written by someone who has never experienced a Newfoundland winter. That will be the true test.
Such philosophical profundity! Is there a balance here…when feelings of curiosity and excitement, maybe even the fear of the unknown, are replaced with familiarity and comfort as things become more predictable and understood. I guess it all depends on one’s personal need for that type of balance. You and Les have both shown a desire for new adventures and explorations. And, as you indicate, winter in Newfoundland may satisfy that curiosity for you once and for all! As always, thanks for sharing these ramblings, Jennifer!
it is always a pleasure to read your ramblings-that-aren’t-ramblings but are thoughts and feelings that come from your sharp, curious mind.