But when I looked at the sculpture, I saw strength. Good-natured defiance and tenacity. That even though it looked like bits of wood were about to fall off, the figure stood with fists up, straight posture, ready to fight. Appearing calm in the face of whatever challenge lay ahead.
As I thought all this to myself, the tour guide asked each of us (about a dozen in the tour group) what emotions we felt looking at it...
And I was shocked. One by one, everyone said how it reflected the worsening state of the world, the fall of the USA, the hopelessness of life...
Which was the exact opposite of what I saw. I saw a spirit of overcoming. That regardless of circumstances, even though one's body (or whatever the body is a metaphor for) is beat up and falling apart, you don't let it drag you into darkness. You stand up straight, you fight with all you've got, and never give up.
Inner strength, resilience, and an unquenchable spirit. Only giving attention to that which leads in the most positive direction availble in that moment.
I told everyone this when it was my turn, and nobody (including the tour guide) seemed to know how to respond. We just kept going on the tour.
I'm not sure what the lesson is here...
But that was about a decade ago. And in the time that's passed, I've created a immense amount of freedom, success and happiness for myself and my family.
And I think a huge factor in me creating that has been my ability to see the good in people and situations, even when no one else seems to... to hold my focus of attention on that, regardless of what others are talking about... and persistently act on the opportunities it lets me perceive. Doggedly keeping this mindset, even when it seems no one else around me does.