How does your perception of the world influences your life?
I am RIGHT! (Am I?)
Often we may catch ourselves complaining about a situation or arguing with someone defending our opinion over theirs as the correct one...
Perception (or point of view) is so powerful that has an enormous impact in our lives. In fact, all of our beliefs and values are derived from our perception of the world.
While our beliefs may be working perfectly for us it doesn't necessarily mean that people with different perspectives and beliefs are on the wrong side.
Sadly many people have the tendency to disapprove any different opinion (perspective/point of view) just because it does not align with theirs.
This reminds me of an illustration I came across many years ago which perfectly demonstrates how being right or wrong is subjective:
How many arguments and conflicts could be resolved -or even never existed- if we could develop an understanding and acceptance on other people's opinions and perspectives...?
It's not only about others
When it comes to perception though, it's not only how we can accept and respect the opinions and point of view of others.
It is also about questioning our own beliefs, thinking out of the box and realizing that other approaches exist, even on things we take for granted.
Have you ever been in a situation where everything seemed negative or not going your way? Have you ever thought that the solution could arise just by shifting your perception on the issue?
Often, being in the rush of our every day routine, we tend to think linear and see things one-dimensional. But if we take the time to pause for a few moments, relax and become an observer of the situation, rather than the person involved in it (as a spectator watches a movie), surprisingly we can start seeing solutions that we weren't able to see before.
I'd like to share with you two photos I took yesterday while walking at the beach and they were the inspiration to write this post:
Both photos taken with Samsung Note 8 - No filters used
In these two photos you can see the same palm tree captured with a 180° change of angle.
Imagine the first photo being your problem -where everything looks dark, you can't see clearly the tree (solution) and you feel disappointed.
You have the option to stay there and blame your luck for your situation or you can realize that you can do something about it, move around and see the other side of the tree (solution), clear and bright...
Of course this is a visual analogy but you get the point (I hope).
Whatever happens to you, take the time to just observe it -without emotions being involved- change your perspective if needed and the solutions will show up.
Life is good and whenever it seems it's not, it's only time for lessons...
Till the next time - have fun, learn the lessons and keep steeming!