Staring at the Sun

I was driving recently on a bright, early morning with the Sun low on the horizon.  As I struggled and squinted to see oncoming traffic and traffic lights, I thought about the fact that, instinctively, I didn’t look directly into the Sun. 

Now we all know that staring at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage.  It is something we “just know.”  As a reminder from nature, it even physically hurts to even look near the Sun.

Yet we live our lives with the Sun available to look at if we chose.  But we don’t look directly at it.  Billions of peole on this planet that practice appropriate (and safe) avoidance.

But this raises some questions.  What else in life do we avoid (and why)?  Is it instinctive or something we learned?

What pain is caused that would lead to avoidance?   Is it real pain or just convenient?  What do we avoid out of habits that are no longer appropriate or necessary?

Some things we really should avoid, like staring at the Sun.  Other things we may regularly avoid, such as becoming a better public speaker or learning to manage our money, might instead be good opportunities to learn, improve, and grow. It would not only help us, it would likely benefit those around us.

Is there emotional pain (or at least discomfort) from breaking some of those unhealthy habits of avoidance?  Sure.  That is why some people will use these habits as excuses.

Just don’t assume all you avoid should be avoided.  Consider.  Investigate.  Dare.  Grow.