Thank you for leaving an interesting philosophical comment. I value analogies that give traction to one’s desire to integrate adversity into one’s history, and grow as a result. To view our minds as vessels helps. I might point out how the word ‘vessel’ can also refer to a boat. We become filled with our experiences as we journey across the sea of time, from birth to death. I don’t know why, but such imagery helps me find balance and peace.

–Will

I happen to look at this Glass analogy as neither a half full or half empty concept. For the Glass is but a vessel for which ever substance is added. The glass of substance is just what is; though we each choose to perceive it in varied forms and definition.

We innately have to power to not only influence the vessel by changing it’s size, volume, and shape; but also the ability to add what ever substance we wish with a myriad of endless possibilities. So the question should have never been whether this Glass was perceived as half full or empty; but how each of us choice to construct are own vessel and add our chosen level of contend carried within it.

So based upon this concept; we can take a multi-tiered approach considering all the finite and whimsical characteristics making it part of a whole living experience. The glass in essence is never stagnant; but a fluctuating principle of who and where we are at developmentally within a tide of flowing perceptions and emotional fluidity.

The glass is but a glass, and it’s content is but it’s content. From this perspective each starts at the place of true honest neutrality. From there, all the possibilities are deemed to hold some measure of validity open to change and interpretation.

If I were to use this analogy in practicality relating to our life experience; then I would present that each lived experience stands as it own vessel, though circumstances may tell us what we feel is loss and suffering in that moments accepted interpretations, this does not mean this vessel cannot be changed and manipulating into to something very different when those emotions are given and weighed fully as a neutral vessel/ endless possibilities/in constant motion principle.

So I experience loss/pain, then the rational/intellectual state tells me to give it some form of selected significance and place in life. Yet, if I also just accepted the concept of loss in a purely sensory being state, and felt it for exactly what it was fully in each moment. Then I would be be able to allow it take take a balanced and rightful place along side all other lived experiences held within my total life journey.

Once something is properly processed and given it rightful power; it then is but another treasured vessel left in our control to change and fill in any way we see fit.

If we are but the vast array of vessels filled with our experiences, then we also are able to control our own perceptions from a starting place of accepting the Glass as simply one of many Glasses filled by those changing aware/known/hidden/revealed/untold/unknown sources to whatever level we may ultimately choose. The resulting comfort that can be derived in this concept; is that loss/pain/circumstance are left open to a transformation into gain/empowerment/direction if allowed and chosen as the valid substance poured into our vessels.

a sum of two cents added to the peanut gallery on my part.

Yes, Mark did help me see the hazard of mistaking emotional shutdown for neutrality. And yes, lovely gifts.

Blessings.

–Will