Conformity

      To conform is to follow a set pattern and patterns that have already been set are comfortable. We need patterns to assist us in dealing with the people around us and the world we live in. We look at those who are non-conformist and accept them for the most part as "different". It is usually the non-conformist who strikes out on a different path and sometimes to amazing results. It seems to be the amount of non-conformity that we see before it moves over into the category of "odd".

      Acceptance is so inherent in our lives that there are few who can or will move to a different way of being. In most instances it is simply a matter of not being able to fit it in when there is a job and a regular way of living to be followed. Have you ever thought about how it would change you or what aspect of you that you would become familiar with if you move outside of your daily pattern? For some it would take little steps of non-conformity before that could even be considered. Why is this? Is the comfort worth the pattern that is set? Perhaps you live a different pattern in your daydreams or your imagination. Try something a little different, something new or a way of doing something you haven't tried before. We all accept limits for ourselves, we exist, for the most part, within boundaries. By extending those boundaries we can develop a sense of exploration, of search, of newness. This search also doesn't have to have boundaries of a weekly or daily experience, but more of an awareness of possibilities. It doesn't have to be a trip or a place, but can be something as simple as reading a book that you would ordinarily not pick up. Expanding the mind to include new things is always a good idea for it may lead to other thoughts that lead to new experiences.

      If you cannot travel, or outwardly do new things, then let your mind roam. It doesn't have to be that of an educational experience, but simply a path of discovery. Pick a subject or a person, investigate, learn, create a pattern that can be part of the quilt of life. Too often our patterns are of the same color, the same texture. Try to add something to your life to add a variety of colors, a variety of experiences. There is no time limit. There is one requirement - enjoy!