Croatia Day 2: Meeting Backroads Group

Day 2,
8-25-2007 (I wrote a lot of stuff on certain days)
As i encountered my backroads group i now think about that idea even more; "cant' we all just get along?" The answer quite simply is, No. But we must try make some sort of attempt to communicate, to stand in our own shoes but see with the other's eyes.

How could i have ever been the person i am without travel, without putting down my own barriers and allowing myself to become absorbed in the other. Retaining my form but changing my essence. Maybe im being presumptuous or maybe that's why im so keen on latching onto people i dont know. My social norms tell me that to do so is unacceptable, its needy, desperate, and others simply dont know what to do with it. While that may be good and true, why should it stop me from trying? I only know how to be myself, a self that would not exist were it not for others...

The self can only continue to evolve so long as its environment changes. While many focus on the material environment to derive inspiration and self reflective thought, i also like to look into the internal changes of myself and others. Tapping into the wisdom of adaptability collected by others that they willingly impart. I learn myself through others, not that i mold myself into what they presume i should be rather by discovering their choices and justifications of those choices it helps me either question myself or reinforce my ideals and values.

How does one get close enough to others? How do you get past such barriers to a place of mutual connection? Is it only something instantaneous or can it be cultivated?

I almost think it would be more important to focus on the cultivated (if they are possible) since they force you to open and train new aspects of yourself as you are exposed to new views that will either reinforce your own for the same reasons or it will provide you with insights you have never considered since you've actively surrounded yourself with like minded individuals.

How to accomplish this goal?

It's one thing to become absorbed by like minded individuals but how do you lay down your weapons and listen to those whom you share opposing views? i cant say whether or not im ready for that as much as i want it to be the case...