In contemplating the notion of thresholds and entryways, I see labels as the initial step in understanding complex realities. While labels can oversimplify profound challenges, they still serve as valuable starting points for discussion and exploration. Labels, in essence, act as thresholds, indicating a transition from one space to another, much like a portal or doorway.
As I am writing my memoir, I delved into the memories of my vulnerable and chaotic childhood, I gradually gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between acknowledging my mother's illness and appreciating her as a woman shaped by her era. It was like stepping through a doorway into her identity.
Labels, despite their limitations, offer a way to navigate the complexities of human experience. They serve as a starting point, a guidepost, but they do not define someone entirely. Just as a threshold provides access to a new space, labels provide an initial framework for comprehension, enabling us to begin the task of understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges we face.
By recognizing the power and potential pitfalls of labels, we can approach them with greater sensitivity and open ourselves to the richness and depth that lies beyond. It is through this awareness that we nurture empathy, engage in meaningful conversations, and embrace the complexity and nuance that exist within each individual and their experiences. Ultimately, by traversing the thresholds that labels represent, we can travel toward greater understanding and compassion for ourselves and others.
Beautiful practice, Priya. I’m going to try it. It strikes me that we are always on the cusp of one thing becoming another, it matters whether we notice that and how that noticing affects or informs us. I love what you said about sugar or no sugar being a choice you must renew each morning. I wonder how mindfulness about thresholds would affect the current psych research about “decision fatigue”.
Hello, Julie! I did think about the stress of being aware of repeated thresholds and repeated decision-making- is there another sweet spot here? There's so much nuance to each of these topics. I guess we can write about it in broad strokes and offer only 'a' perspective! As I write these posts, I have to admit I am basically here for the comments! I love how each comment adds an additional layer. Thank you!
Me too! I was actually thinking that maybe, with attention and awareness of quotidian thresholds, "decision fatigue" might actually be lessened? Not a scientific hypothesis, for sure.
Hi Julie, I found it a little stressful after some time. Of course, this is all anecdotal, but I remember reading about some research on how mindfulness might work differently for different people.
I know I'm on a threshold right now. A very large one. I am just not sure what's on the other side. I actually have no clue. Which is scary and exciting at the same time. I'm trying not to be impatient either. I know I have to get through this threshold in it's own time. Not mine. Thanks for sharing.
I am really enjoying your exploration of thresholds. It is eye-opening how many we face on a daily basis when we actually pay attention to them.
Also the sentence -— “ Technically, I gave up sugar in my tea five years ago, but every single morning, I remake the decision.” —- really resonated with me. I gave up sugar a few years ago now as well, but it does feel as though I am constantly having to make that decision again and again.
Hello, Michael! Thank you for sharing your experience. I think the conversations that each post generates add so much nuance as well as different perspectives!
This is beautiful, Priya. Counting the thresholds and being mindful. Also your description of Kolam made me realise that there is more to Kolam than I knew. My Mom makes Kolam during festivals, but our ancestors used to do it everyday and apart from honoring thresholds, it has to do with our mental well being as well. I want to know more about it and perhaps start the habit too
What a wonderful way to be present throughout the day and to be more intentional as we move through the day!
Hello, Mark! I agree. It’s a great way to bring more mindfulness. Thank you!
I am a huge fan of stretching definitions. Thresholds are everywhere.
Hello, Andrew! I agree, and I think being aware of them may help to build resiliency and offer optimism. I like stretching definitions too! Thank you!
In contemplating the notion of thresholds and entryways, I see labels as the initial step in understanding complex realities. While labels can oversimplify profound challenges, they still serve as valuable starting points for discussion and exploration. Labels, in essence, act as thresholds, indicating a transition from one space to another, much like a portal or doorway.
As I am writing my memoir, I delved into the memories of my vulnerable and chaotic childhood, I gradually gained a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between acknowledging my mother's illness and appreciating her as a woman shaped by her era. It was like stepping through a doorway into her identity.
Labels, despite their limitations, offer a way to navigate the complexities of human experience. They serve as a starting point, a guidepost, but they do not define someone entirely. Just as a threshold provides access to a new space, labels provide an initial framework for comprehension, enabling us to begin the task of understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges we face.
By recognizing the power and potential pitfalls of labels, we can approach them with greater sensitivity and open ourselves to the richness and depth that lies beyond. It is through this awareness that we nurture empathy, engage in meaningful conversations, and embrace the complexity and nuance that exist within each individual and their experiences. Ultimately, by traversing the thresholds that labels represent, we can travel toward greater understanding and compassion for ourselves and others.
Hello, John. I really like that: labels as thresholds, and offering a journey from oversimplification into/towards nuance and understanding.
Thank you for sharing your experience and perspective!
Beautiful practice, Priya. I’m going to try it. It strikes me that we are always on the cusp of one thing becoming another, it matters whether we notice that and how that noticing affects or informs us. I love what you said about sugar or no sugar being a choice you must renew each morning. I wonder how mindfulness about thresholds would affect the current psych research about “decision fatigue”.
Hello, Julie! I did think about the stress of being aware of repeated thresholds and repeated decision-making- is there another sweet spot here? There's so much nuance to each of these topics. I guess we can write about it in broad strokes and offer only 'a' perspective! As I write these posts, I have to admit I am basically here for the comments! I love how each comment adds an additional layer. Thank you!
Me too! I was actually thinking that maybe, with attention and awareness of quotidian thresholds, "decision fatigue" might actually be lessened? Not a scientific hypothesis, for sure.
Hi Julie, I found it a little stressful after some time. Of course, this is all anecdotal, but I remember reading about some research on how mindfulness might work differently for different people.
I know I'm on a threshold right now. A very large one. I am just not sure what's on the other side. I actually have no clue. Which is scary and exciting at the same time. I'm trying not to be impatient either. I know I have to get through this threshold in it's own time. Not mine. Thanks for sharing.
Hello, Kim! Sending you best wishes as you navigate the threshold! Thank you for sharing!
I am really enjoying your exploration of thresholds. It is eye-opening how many we face on a daily basis when we actually pay attention to them.
Also the sentence -— “ Technically, I gave up sugar in my tea five years ago, but every single morning, I remake the decision.” —- really resonated with me. I gave up sugar a few years ago now as well, but it does feel as though I am constantly having to make that decision again and again.
Hello, Michael! Thank you for sharing your experience. I think the conversations that each post generates add so much nuance as well as different perspectives!
Agreed. Substack is one of the only places where I actually appreciate the comments section.
This is beautiful, Priya. Counting the thresholds and being mindful. Also your description of Kolam made me realise that there is more to Kolam than I knew. My Mom makes Kolam during festivals, but our ancestors used to do it everyday and apart from honoring thresholds, it has to do with our mental well being as well. I want to know more about it and perhaps start the habit too
Thank you, Ranjini! And that’s awesome!
This is LUSH writing! ❤️
Thank you, Uthara. It is one of my favorite topics.