A friend of mine asked me why I chose the name “Peripheral View” for my blog, so I decided to share my thoughts.
Looking at something from the periphery often gives us a changed perspective. If we’re able to slow down long enough, we can look more objectively at ourselves, our friends, and relationships. It’s about approaching situations and events distinctively. When we see something from the periphery, we are looking at it from a completely different angle. Often that angle is outside or on the edge, looking in. This outlook can be refreshing, as well as humbling.
The benefits of adopting a peripheral view are many. Practicing this skill allows for a kind of flexibility that is important to our personal growth. We develop increased critical thinking skills when we take a new view. We know that when we’re in the midst of an intense or emotional situation, we have a difficult time analyzing that situation impartially to make decisions based on rationality and logic. We typically react rather than taking the time to process. When we take the time to remind ourselves that there are other perspectives and that ours is not the only view; it helps us build cognitive flexibility and sharpen our critical thinking skills.
Taking the peripheral view means taking a broader perspective, thinking more globally. I’m not always great at this skill, but I do strive for an increased world-view. Often, my privilege gets in my way, which is a tough thing because witnessing our privilege is an essential step toward embracing the genuine need for interdependence. And interdependence builds strength—our individual strength and our communal strength. Which, I believe, in turn, creates a more just world.
Finally, as I was brainstorming names for my blog, I realized that the whole point of my blog is to reflect on my viewpoints and how I grow when I look at things from a peripheral view.
One of my truths is that I love to write, and that activity has been an integral part of my personal growth.
It’s a potent outlet for my creativity.
It’s a way to connect with others.
It’s healing.
My ultimate goal is to inspire deep reflection and a profound enjoyment for myself and my readers.
Thanks for joining me.
