Train Tracks, Superstitions, and Self-Reflection
Mobile: Petrol Flash (45” x 28”)
On self-reflection
“Why would I change,” asked fox. “This is how I’ve always done it.”
“I think you just answered your question,” replied crow.
Thoughts while making
What do you do when you drive over train tracks? Through a yellow light? Into a tunnel?
Lift your feet? Knock on the windshield? Hold your breath?
Since I can remember, I’ve lifted my feet as I drive over train tracks. Years ago, I was told you’re supposed to make a wish when you do.
For just as long, I’ve also knocked on my windshield when I drive through a yellow light … for no other reason than “that’s just what you do.”
I used to try to hold my breath as I drove through tunnels (not advised) … again, just because.
But I’ve also heard people hold their breath in tunnels for good luck.
It’s interesting, isn’t it, to parse the “this is *what* we do” from the “this is *why* we do it.”
How often, however, is the answer to why do what we do “because that’s the way we do it”? Further, how often is the question even asked?
This week, I’ve been rethinking some of the steps in my mobile-making process; steps I’ve followed for more than a decade; steps that work, but that could benefit from asking myself questions like:
“Why do I do it this way?”
“What other ways are possible?”
“How could I think about this problem differently?”
“Is it even a problem I need to solve for anymore?”
The process has been eye opening and liberating – helping me imagine new ways to approach old challenges and update my “this is just what I do” patterns with my current knowledge and abilities.
What might happen if you took a moment to sit with something you do or think or feel frequently and see if – when you shine a light on it – the how or why still serve you?
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