Springboards can offer changes in perspective

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Neil Curchin
  • 349th Medical Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Imagine a springboard. It's a simple device. A flexible platform set upon a spring. If you watched the Olympics, you observed the gymnasts using a springboard to gain elevation during the vault event.

We can take the idea of a springboard and think about it in a way to improve or change our perspective about the events and people around us.

Perspective is our way of regarding situations, facts, etc. and judging their relative importance. It can also encompass our point of view, attitude, and outlook for the future.

Sometimes an event occurs that produces a radical shift in our perspective. For me, it happened unexpectedly. My 92 year old father had become confined to bed due to illness. To make him more comfortable I moved his small flat screen TV and placed it on top of the dresser at the foot of the bed. As I adjusted the reception and picture, I asked him how it looked. He replied that the picture looked bad.

As I was seeing a sharp picture, I was puzzled. I made a few modifications to the contrast setting. I asked him how the picture looked. He again stated it was not good. At that point, all I could say to him was that the picture looked fine to me. He said that his eyes must be getting worse.

A few moments later, I leaned down to pick up an item from the floor. As I looked up at the TV from my stooped position, I was shocked to see the picture was dramatically distorted. From this lower point, my Dad's viewing level; the picture was severely washed out. I felt foolish and embarrassed. Why hadn't I thought to look at the image from my father's point of view?

This experience has stuck with me. When I encounter a situation involving another person's challenge or dilemma, I try to look at the circumstances from a different perspective. I ask myself, what am I missing? If I could springboard to a different level of understanding or appreciation, what would I see?

I welcome opportunities to experience changes in perspective. You can't see the whole parade from where you stand. I've added the mental springboard to my cognitive toolbox.