People compare well to chess & chess games.
This morning I was trying to get a handle on how I struggled lately with blending well with a sertain subculture within the US. (intellectual youth that have well off parents) Most of the time I find I can blend easily into other cultures. But when I found it difficult I was forced to ask myself why. Partly I think its because I am not much of a follower just for the sake of following.This wasn't always the case with me. I used to mold myself into cultures. That's why I found such comfort in places like Southern Venezuela & Guyana whereas others did not. But now that I am more confident in who I am I've lost a bit of that sponge-like ability. Its not a bad thing of course. But my degree is in International Business. So my new challenge has been in trying to get to the top of Maslovs hairarchy of needs (self awareness) while maintaining a sense of comfort in different cultures.
The challenge of course is understanding the rules/dynamics of the culture. But I think it also goes beyond that.
Most people that blend easily into different cultures aren't very opinionated. Thats why I was able to blend so well before. But now that I have gained strong characteristics I now have to find a balance. How do I blend well and still feel self aware/confident so as to maintain my identity? I personally think that its by being unassuming.
Being unassuming is a main ingredient to me because it gives me the freedom to voice my ideas and feel free to be myself while not coming into conflict with another person or cultural ideas.Now the tricky part. How does this relate to chess? Each piece has its peculiar characteristics and movements, its true. But in any given game just because someone moves a piece in one direction doesn't mean that's their ultimate move. Being unassuming allows us to maintain flexibility and adaptability without losing sight of our specific characteristics and goals.
