TOPIC
How much do you change your shape to fit in?
Authentic expression, being a little different or even walking your own path in various cultures, communities and industries we are asked to change.
It is sometimes subtlety felt, and even overtly demanded.
Some trades and industries ignore those who do not pull the cultural line and sling stones and arrows at those who do not conform.
What is the balance between fitting ourselves in the shapes provided for us and changing the space?
REFLECTION
Is fitting in important?
Individually not fitting in can cause all kinds of discomfort and even comfort in being different. Another thought is whether we subjectively feel we do not fit in and the opposite thought could exist for another.
Is fitting in a state of mind?
Are we simply not fitting in with our own idea of self?
Or maybe we are averse to being part of a group?
There are and were many tangents to take throughout this discussion on fitting in.
What I write here is a brief reflection and response to the conversations had during the human group and thoughts that have followed.
This blog is my practice of writing. Feel free to enjoy what unfolds as each time I write I connect with something consistent and even inherent within my own perspective. I call this the signal and the signal is my subjective philosophy and understanding of the universe. I could even call it my hidden archetype. 1% of it conscious and the remaining 99% unconsciously guiding me forward.
From what I have discovered so far it has deep reverence for natural world with us included in it.
Now back to ‘fitting in’.
Those who took part in the discussion all professed that they mostly find themselves on the fringes; not quite fitting in or even wanting of it.
So what are the benefits of fitting in?
Fluid communication, belonging, support, joy of community, power in numbers, consensus, identity, meaning, and these are ideals.
What are the negatives?
We can use fitting in to hide ourselves from our true expression, insecurity, avoidance, mob mentality, totalitarianism, slave morality, tall poppy syndrome, etc.
Evidently there needs to be a balance between fitting in and maintaining our authentic expression.
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