Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could see things from other people’s points of view? The way in which we see the world around us is uniquely singular. Our consciousness interprets the world based on our experiences and our viewpoint on the world. Pain, pleasure, laughter, and sorrow are all based on the simple construct, “I think, therefore I am”. As a connected species, however, we benefit from an ability to empathize with those we come in contact with. We have the ability to reframe our views to both envision and learn from the experience of others.
This especially holds true for what is considered normal and what is not normal. If your entire world is based on a middle-class-middle-income existence, then is the life of the inner city poor normal? What about those who choose to live off the grid? How about someone who loses their hearing compared to someone who was born deaf? What about if you live in Syria, or Iran, or Cambodia?
From Neil Peart Xtras – Malnar video by Bobby Standridge
Our preconceptions of what is normal and abnormal are influenced by our connections to people of different backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances. What is abnormal for one person may represent everyday life for another. Our ability to cope and adapt is as much based on our personal experiences as it is on exposure to a diversity of ways of being. Each individual defines for himself or herself what is “normal” and what isn’t. It is through connections, however, that we gain appreciation for the range of human conditions through which we can adapt. It is how we choose to reframe ourselves, and our perspectives of the world around us that truly makes us what we are.
I connect, therefore I adapt.
In this conference, we want to focus on how immersive environments have extended the reach of educators to imagine a world without boundaries. To reach out beyond self-imposed constraints and open the doors to new ways of thinking, imagining, expression, and building.
We invite you to bring your best ideas. To reach out and connect with people, not because they are the same, but because they are different. To play in the maze of knowledge that everyone brings to the sandbox which is VWBPE.
Connect with us.