Les Brown said, "A mind that has been stretched to a new level of understanding, can never return to its old parameters. " Similar to the famous Rubin Vase painting, also referred to as Two faces or a vase. The Rubin Vase painting is a black and white painting. Upon seeing this painting for the first time, the viewer will either see a white vase or the silhouette of two faces looking at each other. Yet with enough time, either through suggestion or self-discovery. The second image becomes visible, as the mind adjust it's perspective. It's not that the picture itself changes, it's that the brain learns a different way of seeing it. Once the mind learns how to see both images, it can never really go back to how It saw it the first time.

Many of the situations we face in life, are similar to this picture. When we first encounter a situation, our view of it can be based on our perception in that moment. Sometimes we acquire a new perception through meditation or self-reflection. Other times we receive the different perspective through the view of an outsider looking in. This is why positive relationships are so important in our lives. I've heard different speakers teach on the value of relationship equity or association equity. This is the idea that our association can be a priceless resource. Though some people are better than others in terms of relationships. The intentional study of people skills and relationship skills will help strengthen this resource.

If you consider how fast technology is changing. It seems obvious for a person to study up on it. Especially when that technology makes life easier for us. As we've learned with cryptocurrencies, new discoveries can open doors to entirely new realms of possibilities. All technological breakthroughs, whether a new cell phone, a new crypto-currency, or a new medical procedure are the result of an idea that was believed in and acted on. Ideas can be both life-changing and world inspiring. Though an idea itself will have little impact on is own. An idea believed in and acted can prove priceless.

Yet can we really expect to get new ideas, if we have not introduced ourselves to new concepts, or even new experiences. Our body is not the only part of us that needs to be exercised in order to promote good health and vitality. Being unable to exercise due to busyness, seems like an acceptable excuse. That is until we are no longer able to be productive, because of failing health. With all the responsibilities thrown at us in a day, being too busy to study can seem understandable. Until we consider the power behind new discoveries. We could be one idea away from a breakthrough, and not even know it.

In the same way that a personal trainer will start off a new client with simple basic routines. The same is true in the development of any new habits we may wish to create. The only requirement is to set aside small segments of time dedicated to the developing of a new habit. There is no telling where an inspiration will come from. Therefore there are bound to be hidden inspirations that will result from our studies. Whether our studies are in a desired language, in the area of technology, finances an economics, or even in the area of faith. As human beings we were designed to be constantly learning and growing. It is too easy to forget about learning, becoming distracted ultimately allowing our minds to grow stale.

We don't have to go far to encounter people who have allowed their thinking to grow stale. It can be read in their demeanor and on their faces. We encounter hundreds of people daily who are in dire need of inspiration. Yet we live in a world where new information and inspiration is abundantly available to us. Whether we're revisiting the great classics, or introducing ourselves to the newest discoveries and or technologies. Our minds were designed to be constantly learning, and the resulting benefits are immeasurable.

I hope this post has inspired you to rekindle your love for learning. With the New Year there are new opportunities. Combine that with a love for learning, and the results can be mind-blowing. May God bless you with new inspirations and new opportunities. Thanks for sharing with me. @dreamingirwin