"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Monday, December 5, 2011

Going Backward

As a kid, I would often dream I was falling backward into blackness. I don't like going backward to this day.

When I was younger and liked carnivals and fairs, I enjoyed being up in the Ferris Wheel until it stopped and started going backward.

Most of my auto accidents I have had were when I was driving backward.

A few years ago I attended a week long workshop and one of the exercises is shown in the picture:  Falling backward into the waiting arms of other attendees. I could do all the other strenuous exercises, but I could not cross my arms across my chest and fall backward into their arms. The instructor kept repeating to me that they were my comrades, my peers, and on and on, but I could only think that they were strangers, how could I trust them to truly catch me.


Apparently, going forward is my best direction.

17 comments:

Ms. A said...

Nope, I couldn't do it either. I'm not that trusting.

I used to dream I could fly. I miss my dreams.

Rock Chef said...

Don't see myself doing that either!

I like to see where I am going - even if I don't tend to care exactly where I am going...

Lisa said...

I am fully aware I have to move forward but I still like going backward. Most times I find myself in betweens.

CiCi said...

Ms.A, dreaming you could fly would be interesting, I think. I love to watch birds and wonder what it feels like to be in an updraft.

Rock Chef, yes, seeing where you are going is way more comfortable.

oceangirl, Interesting perspective. Thanks for showing me to look at it like that.

DJan said...

For me it's easy. I do it all the time when I leave an airplane in a group. I have also done the exercise in a workshop, and once from the top of a bar after having had too much to drink. But you're right: it does take trust.

Formerly known as Frau said...

I agree I'm a big more forward kind of girl! Have a wonderful Monday!

Brian Miller said...

forward is my best direction as well...i never like those trust fall activities...

Abby said...

Yes, I understand the point of this exercise, but certainly understand that it could be difficult to go through with it. I don't like carnival rides that go backwards either!

CiCi said...

DJan, bar as in rod or bar as in spirits? Ha. Trust is something I do not have in abundance, even less lately.

Formerly, yep, forward ho!

Brian, I did not know that would be one of the exercises at the camp.

Abby, most carnival rides are fun, but not backward.

Ina in Alaska said...

I love the picture of the street light in the post below this one. Falling backward is a trust issue in my opinion, no one wants to feel out of control.

Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my mom's 80th. My heart is pretty full and it has been such a blessing to pull off her party and be with my family. I realize how very far away I live from them and I love to be with them. xo

Hilary said...

I have trouble with that one too. Perhaps it just means that you have more faith and trust in your own self.

Murr Brewster said...

Backwards, forwards, the main thing is to keep from falling down. If I can get through a whole day mostly vertical, I think I've done a wondrous thing. You're right to not trust the bastards. They're probably texting.

terri said...

I don't blame you. I couldn't do it either. Trust is not something you give others just because you're told to do so. It has to be earned.

Liz Mays said...

Is there anyone who actually enjoys going backwards? I should think not!

Shrinky said...

Falling in a dream is quite common, but I have never heard of anyone dreaming of falling backwards before, how unusual! As for that workshop, frankly I believe it says more for than against you - you think things through independently rather as blindly follow as told - how the heck can that be a negative?

Anne H said...

Did this once in a workshop - "Trust Building."
It was pretty cool! I was lighter then, and sillier!
Forward is much better - you are right!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Forward is the way to go-- I try never to look over my shoulder and I sure as heck avoid falling backwards :-)
xoxo jj