“You will find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi, “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”
Perception is a funny thing because it’s very one-sided.
Have you ever woken up with a crazy idea, but stuffed it down out of fear of what others would say? I used to do that and, at times, still do, because there seems to be some rule book on what is and is not possible.
We must ask two questions when thinking about perception: what do we see and what do they see? Google defines perception as the state of being or the process of becoming aware of something through the senses.
The problem with this definition is that it’s correct in terminology, but not in actuality, because most of what we perceive ends with many assumptions.
What do we see when we look at someone? We see their outward expressions, which includes dress, hair style, race and gender.
We also see how they act in public and, if we are friends with this particular person, how they act in their private life. This is just the skeletal framework of who this person is, in general, and nothing more.
Sure, we get to know them if we get close, but if you’re not close you really only see a picture. Our minds just register a picture of this person and then we jump to what we think about them.
Are they good-looking? Are they weird? We have all done this and continue to do this every day.
We are comparing ourselves and we do this because we are made up of our individuality. And that is all we really have to pull from, when it comes down to it.
What do they see? The truth is they don’t see but, rather, believe. They know who they are and don’t have to dwell on what they see because they know themselves better than anyone.
They express themselves, which originates from the inside of them and comes from the heart.
While you are busy looking at their clothes, race, shoes, gender or any other outward part of them, they are doing the same to you and that is the funny part
about perception.
I mentioned earlier that perception is one-sided. What I meant was that you see through your own point of view and others see through their point of view.
You cling to a belief of who you are.
We must be careful when looking at others and what they are doing, because we do not understand them fully. We don’t understand them because we do not believe in them like we believe
in ourselves.
It is hard to believe what you cannot feel. People are full of ideas, passions and desires that we can only see expressed.
Understanding someone else’s passions, ideas and desires is something that can’t really be done because we all have individual souls that are untouchable.
We are unique – each and every one of us – and you are the only person you will ever fully perceive.
I leave you with a challenge: the next time you think that someone’s character or idea is stupid, go and talk them. People need help expressing who they are; not criticism. That is obvious!
You never know if you talking to them is the boost they need to believe in themselves.
May the force be with you!
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