The BIG Pic

 

In this context, The BIG Pic, translates to understanding how our little world-our attitudes, thoughts, and efforts-directly influence a much broader domain.

Acknowledging a bigger picture means acquiring the practice of thoughtful perspective on the broader situation.  How what we do and how we do it touches others, affecting situations way beyond just us.  Selfishness is a lonely place and all-encompassing deeds that can consume us in the moment rarely matter in days, weeks, or years from now.  To become so focused and consumed with our own paths does not serve anything or anyone, including one’s self, well.

big-picture

It takes effort to envision beyond our own agendas, but the rewards are worthy of consideration.  Data abounds about how becoming more focused on others can reduce stress, enhance experiences, and add to our overall sense of wellbeing.  In addition, widening the scope beyond our little world can also bring about immense clarity.  Clarity, that without the thought of how others might view things might never occur.

As outcomes drive people… here we share a great example of adopting the practice of The BIG Pic:

A traveler came across three stonecutters working in a quarry. Each was busy cutting a block of stone. Interested to find out what they were working on, he asked the first stonecutter what he was doing. “I am cutting a stone!” Still no wiser, the traveler turned to the second stonecutter and asked him what he was doing. “I am cutting this block of stone to make sure that it’s square, and its dimensions are uniform, so that it will fit exactly in its place in a wall.” A bit closer to finding out what the stonecutters were working on but still unclear, the traveler turned to the third stonecutter. He seemed to be the happiest of the three and when asked what he was doing, replied: “I am building a cathedral.”

There is reason behind everything we do!  Taking a step back and thinking about the broader outcomes, how others might be affected or affect that outcome, is often more rewarding.

Let us reflect on the bigger picture as a practice, and how what we do and how we do it affects others, and ultimately affects the outcome.  Taking this step may help us create space for richer experiences and gain an appreciation that can enhance our lives.

 

This entry was posted on Friday, April 17th, 2015 at 5:32 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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