Article May 7, 2012 Issue

Embrace a higher view

Stephanie Johnson

On a recent trip  to Los Angeles, I was impressed by the beautiful choreography that takes place daily on the freeways. 

In a city known for its intricate web of roadways that alternately make you think of a high-speed raceway and a densely packed parking lot, it is easy to miss the beauty that transpires. But if you gain even the slightest elevation on or above the roadway, you can see a ballet of sorts unfold. Dozens of red lights blink intermittently as turn indicators signal graceful lane changes, and brake lights flash with shifting speeds. It struck me as a very intricate and beautiful dance.

How often we approach a situation, or a person, with preconceptions. And we let reputations influence our thought. The list is endless—a notorious freeway system, complicated airport security checks, people who look or dress a specific way. In each instance, there is a choice to make. Do we allow prejudice, prejudging, to shade our view? Or do we choose the alternative and give our consent to view the scene with a bit of spiritual elevation to our thinking? 