Citizen of Riberalta

Written on 1/20/08

Last night was a good time of thinking deeper and placing myself into situational thought. I don’t think I do this enough – abroad or in the States. It’s so incredibly beneficial in the development of tolerance when we put ourselves in other’s shoes.

As I downed my evening’s dose of grilled chicken, I spent time focusing on the busy street in front of me and the people that brought its energy. The motorcycles that zipped by. The brother and sister racing in the crowded street by bicycle while going the wrong way! The perpetually constant stream of customers circulating in and out of the small-goods store. The men gathered around the television watching the fútbol game. The trash in the street. The run-down buildings. This would become my reality for these moments. I would be a dweller of Riberalta, Bolivia. It seems that life would be just fine.

“My only exposure to the ‘good life’ has been in the movies, and I have no conception of this even being a remote possibility in my life. My life is in Riberalta, and I will always be in Riberalta. Our food is good. We often have the same thing, so it’s always a joy when we are able to have something different. Everyday, I work long, hard hours so that I can provide. My work is physically grueling, but I enjoy spending time with the guys and my family afterwards. This is my life. I will never go further than several hours outside of Riberalta. Life is good. I have friends, family, shelter, and food. This is my reality. I would trade it for riches, but I’m content as it is.”

I would like to think that the words above would be my approach to living in Riberalta. I wonder if those that live here even see its filth. Do they understand the discomforts of the mosquitoes, heat, and humidity in this jungle? I suspect that the adults do but tend to forget of them. Then, I wonder if I’m maybe the one that doesn’t recognize the settings I live in and its discomforts.

Imagine the difference of living standard in 2008 compared to 1908 in the United States. Even the wealthiest had no idea of what they were missing or, rather, what they would be missing. Instead, they accepted life as it was with the positive psychology that they “had it all.” For all of us, a “next level” exists, whether in the here and now or the future. These levels never cease.

We must come to understand that contentment may come at all levels of this spectrum without discrimination, assuming necessities are cared for. If our complete focus is on that next level, then the heart will find no contentment at present. Our current surroundings show their beauty. We simply need to open our eyes and see!

Such contentment as this does not drain our motivation to increase our living standard. After all, this seems to be a universal urge. Rather, this specific contentment brings the understanding that our livelihood is not based on attaining the level beyond us. No, contentment is here. It is now. Look before you!

Just as the Bolivian man finds comfort in his impoverished life, you too can find comfort in your impoverished life. This is my journey. Come along with me!

TS

Unending Adventure!

We all live a story. The real question is whether you live a story of adventure. It is this that makes life exciting. This is the life many aspire for at their heart’s depth but few live out. The irony is that very little aspiration is needed to live such a life. It is a matter of perspective and living adventurously today. In fact, you can choose this path of energy and excitement right now!

Let me warn you, though. There are risks. Indeed, it is such risks that make the path adventurous. You must be willing to put a lot on the line. Remember, your rewards will come. First, one’s daily monotony must be broken. Two approaches can be taken: (1) change the lens that you are using to judge the day or (2) change the day. Both used together is optimal.

Begin by realizing that life is not monotonous. It is your mind that creates such. Life is always changing in nearly all facets. We simply miss most of this. We place a level of relativity on these changes, causing us to minimize and ignore many of them. Change must come to this way of thinking! Wonderful things are happening each day that slip directly past our awareness.

You could marvel at the fact that you have put your thoughts into words on the computer screen in front of you. Imagine for a moment at how intricately amazing this process is! You could actually think about how much you enjoy crunching on the ice in your cup during the hour after lunch. Maybe a coworker made you feel good. Take note and go make someone else feel good. After all, our interaction with others is the basis of living a truly adventurous life. These are the first steps to bringing advantageous change to your life.

If you are seeking deep-seated adventure, though, you will go further. You will take risks. You will sacrifice comfort for challenge. You will desire to grow. You will be in search of that which is Greater. Your energy will attract. You will be willing to lose it all, realizing that you really have nothing to lose. There will be something different about you. You will have chosen a unique path.

While seeing the day through a different set of lens, you will also bring change to the day. The “normal” will be shaken as a drop of the “abnormal” will be an added ingredient. Always, you will be looking for opportunities to bring change. One can be radical or mild in such actions. It is the former that creates greatest intrigue.

Send a colleague an unexpected note of reverence. Ask the beautiful girl on a date even though you sure she’ll say “no.” Spend a night with bums. Sleep where they sleep. Eat what they eat. Plainly, call out your boss for his lack of ethics if such a situation involves you. Become a vegetarian for a month. Put the shoe on first that you usually put on last for the next week. Wear clashing colors for a week. Stop and buy lemonade from the young girls. Stay and talk to them. Walk at half speed for a day. Don’t chew your ice – just let it melt in your mouth. Talk to random people around the world on Skype. Clearly, the list can go on and on. Create your own!

You must train your mind to see the world in a slightly different way. In many ways, your mind must think in terms of opposites. It must challenge its tendency for comfort and bring new experiences. You must always be alert and in search of ways you can look at something differently or shake it up.

Begin by changing your perspective and proceed forth as you desire. The life of adventure awaits you!

TS