Polly's pages (aka 'Donna Williams')

Ever the arty Autie

Assumption

July7

We all assume from our own normalities, our own perspectives and experiences, cultures, histories, orientations, personalities and identifications. And strangely, no matter how many times life kicks our butt, proving assumptions are so very fallible, there we are again, assuming.

But that’s also part of our map, how we navigate the world. Sure, some of us would be happy with a more Alice in Wonderland world where assumptions are all suspended. But it would probably be as exhausting and disorienting as it was endlessly intriguing or exciting. All things exist in their opposite. Knowing assumption allows us also to be surprised, to have suspense.

The ability to assume is at least an engagement with life, with the mind. We are not being a blank slate, vacant, a leaf in the wind. And the ability to assume does not preclude the ability to suspend assumption. If we can exercise the use of a skill, we can also exercise what it is to sometimes suspend the use of that same skill.

Donna Williams, BA Hons, Dip Ed.
Author, artist, singer-songwriter, screenwriter.
Autism consultant and public speaker.
http://www.donnawilliams.net

I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of this country throughout Australia, and their connection to land and community.

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