In the time before normal
things were uncertain,
very much like they are today.
We were trying things out,
seeing what worked for us
and what didn’t, never realizing
that eventually we would become
stuck in our ways.
This is normal?
No, THIS is normal.
The uncertainty is back
where it belongs,
giving us ONE MORE CHANCE
to show our faith in it.
Newfound Lake,
11/26
In the contemplation of ‘who we are before normal,’ we delve into the primordial essence of our being, before the layers of societal norms, personal habits, and cultural constructs enveloped our identity. This reflection takes us on a journey through the uncertainty of the past, the establishment of ‘normal,’ and the return to uncertainty in the present, offering a fresh opportunity to redefine ourselves.
The Essence Before ‘Normal’
Before the concept of ‘normal’ took root, we existed in a state of pure potential, unshaped by the rigid expectations and definitions of society. This state represents our intrinsic nature, unencumbered by the labels and roles we later adopt. It’s a realm of boundless possibility, where the only certainty is the fluidity of our being.
The Emergence of ‘Normal’
As we navigated the uncertainties of existence, certain patterns and behaviors solidified into what we began to perceive as ‘normal.’ These patterns offered a sense of stability and predictability, helping us to make sense of the world and our place in it. However, this sense of normalcy also brought limitations, gradually confining our once limitless potential within the bounds of convention.
The Return to Uncertainty
The resurgence of uncertainty in our lives, as noted in the reflection, disrupts this established normalcy. It reminds us that the state of being ‘stuck in our ways’ is not an absolute but a temporary construct. Uncertainty, in this context, is not just a challenge but an opportunity—a call to revisit the open-endedness and fluidity of our earlier selves.
Embracing Uncertainty as a Chance for Growth
This renewed encounter with uncertainty is an invitation to re-examine our beliefs, habits, and perceptions. It’s a chance to reaffirm or redefine what ‘normal’ means to us, to explore once again the myriad possibilities of our existence. This is not a regression to a former state but a progression, an evolution informed by our experiences and growth.
Faith in the Fluidity of Existence
The call to show faith in uncertainty is a profound one. It asks us to trust in the natural ebb and flow of life, to embrace the unknown with openness and curiosity. This faith is not a passive resignation but an active engagement with the ever-changing landscape of our existence.
Summary
We ponder who we are before ‘normal’ and explore the journey from a state of limitless potential to the establishment of ‘normalcy’ and back to the embrace of uncertainty. This cycle offers us a chance to redefine our understanding of ourselves, challenging us to grow and evolve beyond the confines of conventional normality.
Glossarium
- Before ‘Normal’: A state of existence characterized by boundless potential and fluidity, prior to the adoption of societal norms and personal habits.
- Uncertainty: The state of being uncertain, characterized by unpredictability and open-ended possibilities.
- Faith in Existence: Trusting in the natural flow and evolution of life, embracing change and uncertainty.
“The only thing that is constant is change.” – Heraclitus
In the dance of time, where nothing stays the same,
Before ‘normal’ we stood, untamed.
In uncertainty’s embrace, we found our stride,
In the flow of existence, we ride.
From the rigid shores of ‘normal,’ we set sail,
Into the ocean of the unknown, without fail.
With faith in our hearts, and eyes open wide,
In uncertainty’s waters, we find our guide.
In this cosmic journey, ever so grand,
We embrace each moment, with an open hand.
For in the realm of change, in the dance of life,
We find our true selves, in joy and strife.
We invite your reflections on the concept of ‘normal’ and how the return to uncertainty provides an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. How do you perceive the fluid nature of existence and the role of change in defining who we are?
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