We’ve all been there.

You really (and I mean REALLY) want something. And then BAM…life takes a different path. A path that that greatly differs from your plans.

Your mind heads off on a track of its own.

“This is not how things were supposed to turn out. I am better.  I’m smarter.  I am more deserving.”

Sound familiar?

If you’ve had thoughts like these, you’re definitely not alone. We’ve all been there. It’s just a part of being human.

The real question is: just what is this thought process really about?

The answer lies in a rather fascinating psychological concept.

In life, we tend to see things from our own unique perspective.  At first glance, it would seem that this type of thinking is selfish. But in truth, it serves a purpose.

This normal mindset is what we call an egocentric view of life.

The ego is the survival mechanism that drives us to take care of our own needs in order to get by in life. It’s a natural method of protection.

That said, there can be a fault in this “I” mindset.

The egocentric view separates us from reality. Left unchallenged, it traps us in a false persona that is anything but who we are.

We begin to think that we are just OUR thoughts and emotions. This limiting mindset is anything but true.

We are a part of something much greater.

We are a part of the world. And that world is big. We are a part of many people’s perspectives-and many people’s lives. It’s important to remember this.

Life isn’t about just our perspective-whether WE win, lose, or get that much desired boost. It’s about a much wider view.

I want you to think of it like this…

If you put a group of people in a circle, everyone will see something different. No two perspectives will be the same.

That’s how life looks through the eyes of the ego. So with just one perspective, how can you really see the big picture?

One of the goals of mindful living is to free ourselves from this trap.

Mindfulness allows us to remove the “I” in order to see life from a much broader perspective. It reboots our natural ability to see life as it is.

This concept can be more than a little scary.

In truth, we are deeply rooted in a connection to what we THINK we are. So if we take away the thoughts, ideas and beliefs that we have used to define ourselves, what the heck is left? Will we feel empty?

The answer is no.

Behind the veil of the ego lies something life changing.

That is the gift of awareness.

Awareness is free of ideas and points of view. It’s what we were as toddlers.

In a state of awareness, we view life from a much broader perspective than just our own.

This helps us shift perspective. We become more flexible in how we see life. The “I” fades and allows us to see the world for what it is.

We are able to see life with wonder and awe, curiosity and joy. There are no philosophies, notions, or preconceived mindsets.

In a state of mindful awareness, there is no need to worry about figuring out just who we are-and whether we win or lose.

That’s because we become less attached to our own viewpoint. As a result, we feel more connected to everyone around us.

We don’t need to fret about whether we are satisfied or dissatisfied with ourselves. All we have to do is just be. Moment-by-moment…breath-by-breath.

This shift allows us to become better able to take on the perspective of others.

 We find that we are always a part of something greater. We are a part of the universe and all of its plans. How amazing is that?

Think about this today.

What things have you looked at from an egocentric viewpoint? And how can you expand your horizon?

To your mindfulness,

Dr. Marchand