Week 1 - Mobius Strip Connections
For our week one assignment, I found the video "Wide Awake on the Mobius Strip" interesting and applicable to my life cycle thus far. Palmer discusses how one can hold a strip of paper in front on one's self and the side that faces away from us is our "outer self". This outer self is what we show the outside world. How do we influence other people or the environment? What is the image that we put out into the world and ask ourselves does it make a difference? Do we look okay or am I liked? The side of the strip of paper that faces toward us is our "inner self". This inner self is our personal beliefs or values, our intuition, values, instincts; all of which make up our deeper self or our soul.
Palmer next takes the strip of paper and connects the ends into a circle. If we look through the circle, it appears we are trying to blend the inner and outer self. According to Palmer, we blend our inner principles and beliefs inside this circle to which our external life revolves. We are trying to unify these two worlds but by turning the circle horizontal, we still see a wall. This wall gives the perception that we only let others in our "inner circle" that agree with our values and beliefs. The circle still disconnects our inner and outer self and causes conflict to our self and others.
The last and most enlightening part is creating the Mobius Strip by separating the ends of the circle and slightly twisting the end to reconnect the ends. This creates a continuous unbroken infinity shape. It shows how we travel along the inner strip with our inner thoughts and values and that those inner thoughts eventually are shown and blend with the outside world. The Mobius Strip continuum co-creates a stronger reality. We create an "adult wholeness".
I can understand these perspectives as I have navigated the strip of paper from the single length, to the circle to the infinity "Mobius Strip". During my school-age years, I worried how my outer self looked to my peers. During these years, I desperately wanted to be accepted by others and fit in with the "cool" crowd. I felt best when I played sports. I felt free and wanted to be the best and do my best. In the school setting, I wanted to wear the right clothes, not draw attention to myself and would adapt my personality to others. Once I entered college, I let more of my inner self show through and opened up my circle. Instead of a circular wall, I was able to let others look inside but only people I trusted during that life period. I voiced opinions in a constructive manner and allowed myself to meet new people. I didn't worry as much how others viewed me since they were not in my circle of friends. As an adult, I have created more of the Mobius Strip infinity. I am finding the balance of showing my inner values and beliefs to the outside world. I have confidence in myself and how I go about my life. It has also enabled me to embrace change and travel the unexpected path. That is shown by my taking the initiative to become a teacher and leverage my work experience.
Now as a mother, I see my sons experiencing these similar paths of life. I have the experience of hindsight to guide and give direction to my sons, but as any adult knows, my sons still think they know how to handle the situation better. I share my life experiences with them and show that vulnerability so they may create their "Mobius Strip" at an earlier stage of life. Overall, I do agree with Mr. Palmer that ultimately we want to reach the Mobius Strip but it seems the strip transitions are necessary to achieve that infinity balance.
Palmer next takes the strip of paper and connects the ends into a circle. If we look through the circle, it appears we are trying to blend the inner and outer self. According to Palmer, we blend our inner principles and beliefs inside this circle to which our external life revolves. We are trying to unify these two worlds but by turning the circle horizontal, we still see a wall. This wall gives the perception that we only let others in our "inner circle" that agree with our values and beliefs. The circle still disconnects our inner and outer self and causes conflict to our self and others.
The last and most enlightening part is creating the Mobius Strip by separating the ends of the circle and slightly twisting the end to reconnect the ends. This creates a continuous unbroken infinity shape. It shows how we travel along the inner strip with our inner thoughts and values and that those inner thoughts eventually are shown and blend with the outside world. The Mobius Strip continuum co-creates a stronger reality. We create an "adult wholeness".
I can understand these perspectives as I have navigated the strip of paper from the single length, to the circle to the infinity "Mobius Strip". During my school-age years, I worried how my outer self looked to my peers. During these years, I desperately wanted to be accepted by others and fit in with the "cool" crowd. I felt best when I played sports. I felt free and wanted to be the best and do my best. In the school setting, I wanted to wear the right clothes, not draw attention to myself and would adapt my personality to others. Once I entered college, I let more of my inner self show through and opened up my circle. Instead of a circular wall, I was able to let others look inside but only people I trusted during that life period. I voiced opinions in a constructive manner and allowed myself to meet new people. I didn't worry as much how others viewed me since they were not in my circle of friends. As an adult, I have created more of the Mobius Strip infinity. I am finding the balance of showing my inner values and beliefs to the outside world. I have confidence in myself and how I go about my life. It has also enabled me to embrace change and travel the unexpected path. That is shown by my taking the initiative to become a teacher and leverage my work experience.
Now as a mother, I see my sons experiencing these similar paths of life. I have the experience of hindsight to guide and give direction to my sons, but as any adult knows, my sons still think they know how to handle the situation better. I share my life experiences with them and show that vulnerability so they may create their "Mobius Strip" at an earlier stage of life. Overall, I do agree with Mr. Palmer that ultimately we want to reach the Mobius Strip but it seems the strip transitions are necessary to achieve that infinity balance.
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