Slogan #30

Don’t be so predictable

Reflection:

As I sit here in the familiar park in Toronto, a place that has provided me solace and comfort amidst the city's chaos, I can't help but reflect on how I react when I feel threatened. The park, a constant in my life, brings back countless memories, and today, it serves as the backdrop for my contemplation on the Lojong Slogan 30, "Don’t Be So Predictable."

In moments of feeling threatened, my reactions have often followed a predictable pattern. My instinct has been to protect myself, to build walls around my vulnerability. This defensiveness has sometimes manifested in harsh words or actions that hurt others and, in turn, deepened my own sense of isolation and pain. Reflecting on these reactions, I realize that they have often been counterproductive, reinforcing the very feelings of threat and insecurity I sought to escape.

Sitting here with my back to the park, facing the white house with its pointed roof and half-painted façade, I am reminded of the importance of breaking these predictable patterns. The house, unchanged in its structure but altered in its appearance, symbolizes the possibility of transformation and the need to embrace change. The bright white and burnt orange colors evoke memories of my past and the potential for renewal and growth.

Judy Lief's question, "How do I react when I feel threatened?" invites me to examine the roots of my predictable responses. In doing so, I acknowledge the fear and vulnerability that underlie my defensive actions. Recognizing these emotions allows me to approach situations with greater awareness and compassion, both for myself and others.