The Rhino State of Mind

Spiritually speaking, the rhino is associated with peace, solitude, gentleness, power, and steadiness. In so many ways this describes the attributes that we strive for on a daily basis, in life or in general. As I started reading and studying more on these amazing animals I became entranced, not only by their stature, but how their example could help me if I associated my mindset to their very own characteristics.

Characteristically speaking, the rhino has 3 less than desirable qualities that have positive attributes for anyone pursuing their goals, dreams or simply just trying to manage their paths in life.

• Rhinos have a skin that can be up to 2" thick

While this shields them from thorns, predators, and birds it has also been known to be used as a shield by war tribes to stop rival arrows. This kind of external toughness is both impressive and remarkable. With this type of figurative protection the throes of life would be minimized and our daily reactions would be far less harsh on both ourselves and those around us, making life more enjoyable for everyone.

• Rhinos have a hard time walking backwards

It seems that forward motion is the preferred movement of these amazing animals. The tremendous forward momentum that a massive creature like this creates is remarkable. Only being able to see 30 feet ahead of itself and weigh up to 4 tons to run at a full charge of 40 mph is unfathomable. I envision this powerful momentum, this quantity of energy being exerted into our aspirations and I am left in awe. It's exhilarating to mentally project this type of forward momentum into our daily lives.

• Rhinos are also known to have poor eyesight

As I said these massive animals can only see about 30' ahead of themselves. This creates an extreme focus on whatever the rhino has fixated on especially at it's full running speed. This laser like determination is a highly admirable quality. I am constantly wondering the depths of what we could accomplish with this type of channeled focus in our daily lives. Imagine no distractions, no derailment, no sideline, no fear of what lies ahead, just a direct path to our principal daily goal.

I am imagining that a few people have lost me so far in the article. I mean, what kind of person associates themselves to an animal’s characteristics, right? And I get it, I completely understand the doubt, as I have had the same doubts and thoughts about several states of mind. For me it wasn't a lack of interest, but the inability to seriously conceptualize the application of the theories in real life scenarios. How does one really train for that?... Truly this is the hardest part of any state of mind, to actually change the way one perceives his or her own situation or belief system, is pretty deep. 

Thick Skin:

First, let's just iron a few things out. A thick skin does not mean we are callus or that we do not feel things. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! It means that we are in control of the way that we react to our surroundings and environment. This gives us a tremendous amount of self control and empowers us to choose where we assert our attention and energy. Let’s face it, people can be mean, dishonest, inconsiderate, lack manners, respect and a whole slew of other great attributes but it is our thin skin that propels them into our minds and gives control through our reactions. It is possible to develop skills over time to give us this awareness and control to pick and choose what and how things affect us. For me it was the realization that I had no power over anyone other than myself and this mindset thing started to make a little more sense. Now do not get me wrong, I am completely susceptible to being forced into an unpleasant reaction but my awareness seems to help me filter out a good portion these days. I have also adopted a perspective that frees me from most adversities which allows me to reflect in a positive light. My belief and understanding is that these were my character defining moments that made me the sum of who I am today. I have a saying “if I dwell on something that has already passed, it robs me of my present”. If you spill a glass of milk, how long are you bothered by the act after you clean it up? My point is simple, demonstrating a thick skin in certain situations provides you the strength and freedom that you need to create a positive reaction. After all it is your reaction and your reaction alone, that will control the outcome.

Going Backwards:

We all need tenacity in our lives and in many cases this comes through our forward motion. But how do I stay in forward motion all the time?.... If this sounds exhausting and like it requires a tremendous amount of work, you’re right! My thoughts when it comes to this are grand and I believe that for the use of this particular mindset that forward motion is synonymous with motivating quotes such as “keeping your chin up”, it’s not how hard you get hit but how fast you get up”, “don’t look back”, look on the bright side”, “grin and bear it” to name a few. Collectively the sum of these quotes inspire me to respect where I am in life, to take note of the steps I have taken to arrive where I am today and continue to practice patience. Being patient is not always easy but one can lose a lot of ground being impatient. This observation is a key element to staying on a path to forward momentum. The way that life is moving and evolving there will always be some form of “setbacks” but we can control how much ground that we want to give up. I do not think that anyone has been immune to these situations and if we are patient we will reduce the damage of a knee jerk reaction. Don’t forget that a rhino can go backwards, it just isn’t easy.

Focus:

Being able to constantly draw on your mind to provide clarity and create purpose for your journey can be tedious. I believe that focus is derived from our inner hope. Hope allows us to keep a positive image, the proverbial carrot in front of the horse so to speak but much more powerful. Recognizing that hope is a built in engine that motivates and drives us to far greater ambitions or desires is the key to staying focused. When I refer to this “type” of focus it’s much deeper than focusing on a test or particle of our daily life even though it is a contributor. The focus that I am referring to is what gets you up in the morning and pushes you through the day with purpose, no matter how the odds are stacked against you. The truth is that most of us do not possess this type of focus, we get stuck in the rhetoric of the daily grind that slowly swallows us into the abyss of regret forcing us to remain in constant wonder of “if I only would have done this or that”. I don’t know about you, but I want to separate myself from that person! I feel that you could put me in the longest, darkest, deepest tunnel and as long as I can see the faintest flicker of light (hope), I am going to prevail. I use this analogy in my life quite frequently and it is a reminder for me to not concentrate on the darkness (rhetoric) that surrounds me but that flicker of hope that is always ahead of me. The old adage “every cloud has a silver lining” only applies for those that seek it out. 

Closing

I remain entranced by this incredible theory associated with a rhino state of mind. I have even applied this mindset in many situations of my own personal life and I can say that having a thick skin, extreme focus and a desire to constantly move forward have motivated me through some tough challenges in my past and continue to keep me on my toes and working through some great challenges in the present. I hope that this perspective can be embraced by you and serves you well in your life like it has worked in mine. I know that we all have battles that no one sees and we fight them on a daily basis, some, far worse than others. Remember that we can only have control over how we choose to be affected by our surroundings, this choice of perspective can give you the strength necessary to take on the most difficult of your challenges.

David Sarner