Life Experiences - Circle of Spirals

Reflections on Life:

I could categorize people into a few groups based on how they perceive life:

Finite Life Experiences – Definite End: This group believes that their life experiences are finite and tend to view their past experiences as absolute truths that repeat. They often feel as if they are moving in a circle, encountering situations and experiences in a predictable pattern. They place these experiences on a pedestal, considering them profound and significant. Individuals in this category often feel they have clarity regarding right and wrong and may pass judgments about what is good or bad. They are usually confident, relying heavily on their past experiences.

• Attributes: Fixed rules, clear goals, predetermined outcomes, competitive nature.
• Characteristics: Confidence in past experiences, tendency to judge right from wrong, a focus on winning, and a structured approach to life.

Infinite Life Experiences – Inward Spiral: People in this group perceive life as infinite but focus on a limited circle of experiences and thoughts as life progresses. Their movement resembles an inward spiral, where they do not consider a finite timeline in their actions. Although they are aware that life continues indefinitely, they become comfortable within a narrow scope, creating a smaller circle. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed by situations that make life difficult. They may struggle with decision-making, often postponing actions, and tend to complain about the status quo.

• Attributes: Limited scope, narrow focus, repetitive patterns, comfort in familiarity.
• Characteristics: Feelings of being overwhelmed, indecisiveness, tendency to postpone actions, and a habit of complaining about the status quo.

Infinite Life Experiences – Outward Spiral: This group maintains a positive outlook on life, believing in the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Their movement resembles an outward spiral. They are free thinkers, resilient individuals who navigate life without emotional baggage. They are open to new experiences and friendships, feeling comfortable regardless of the challenges they face.

• Attributes: Openness, adaptability, creativity, freedom of thought.
• Characteristics: Positive outlook on life, willingness to embrace change, resilience, and a focus on personal growth.
• Keywords: Exploration, curiosity, growth, flexibility, positivity, adventure.

While these observations categorize perspectives, life is often situational. When personal matters arise, we may feel that life is finite. The more we become attached to certain outcomes, the more we perceive our experiences as limited, leading to a finite perspective. Conversely, when we align our lives with our plans, we feel enriched and more open to new experiences, embodying the infinite outward spiral. However, we can also fall into the worry trap of feeling infinite when we believe life is dictated by others, leading to a detrimental inward spiral.

Another aspect to consider is self-centeredness. When we experience life solely from our perspective, we may feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed. If we zoom out, we can see that each person has different situations and challenges to navigate. The feeling of being at the center of one's universe may dissipate, leading to the realization that many events are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Even if certain moments seem monumental, they often fade into obscurity over time.

Are we flexible enough to transition from a finite to an infinite perspective, and from inward to outward spirals? This flexibility is our strength. Regardless of our current positions, relationships, or societal status, these aspects are fluid and can change. Ultimately, they will fade away. What we perceive as lasting is merely our interpretation of how others view our identity, which can be lost when those people are no longer present. In the end,  learning to embrace the flexibility from one state to another is critical for personal growth.