“We do not see things as they are,
We see things as we are”
The Talmud
Do you see the clouds? Or do you see the sun rays?
That’s an interesting thought, isn’t it?
We always think that what we see, is what is really there, what is really happening.
But is that so?
As we always see the world through our own eyes, interpreted by our own mind, we always see the colored version of “reality”.
We subconsciously choose the color in which we see the world.
If we are happy, things seem less heavy, less troublesome.
If we are in foul mood, everything irritates us, everything seems to trouble us.
If we are trustworthy, we will be more likely to trust others,
If we are paranoid, we will see conspiracy in every corner,
If we are dishonest, we will believe others are too.
So, we do actually see the things as we feel right now, with our own thoughts, our own memories, our own emotions. That is, how our ego* is seeing and interpreting what is going on around us. This view is based on what happened previously to us in our life. And here is where it gets tricky. First of all, what we experienced before, is also subject to our own version of the reality. And secondly, sometimes we keep replaying over and over again scenes of our past, that this too can become a far cry from what ‘really’ happened because we let our emotions color the facts. This may sound a little discouraging as it seems that no one ever ‘knows’ the truth, but let’s take a look at what we can do with this knowledge.
The positive side is, that we can change the reality by changing how we think about it. This will alter how we feel about it, and this of course will influence how we act upon it!
This is very powerful!!
Just think of it:
We can make reality better by consciously thinking in a more positive, happy way!
Waw! Isn’t that a precious gift? Open this present right now and enjoy its wonderful wisdom! Whatever you thought happened or is happening, take a step back, let your mind** re-think what else could be true! Let your imagination create all possible versions of that same situation, of that same truth, and then choose the one that offers peace and calm in your heart and in your mind.
Another benefit of being conscious about how reality comes to life, about how reality feels different to every person, is that we can become more understanding towards others!
I don’t think anyone can actually know how another person sees and experiences a certain situation, as we are not living in their head.
As we all see the world through our own eyes, with our own history, with our own thoughts, do not assume that you know what the other one is feeling, and is going through. Ask them and listen to what they are telling you. You’ll often be very surprised as to what they are actually feeling and thinking. We so easily assume stuff that we’re not conscious about it anymore.
Start your new modus operandi of not assuming anymore by
realizing you know nothing,
then ask what you want to know
and listen very carefully to what people are saying.
You can only learn by listening, never through talking or assuming.
If we all are a little more empathetic, if we all act more gently, everyone will be more considerate of the other one’s feelings.
That can only result in more happiness, more peace for every one!
And isn’t that what we are all seeking here during our journey here on Earth?
I invite you all to reflect upon these thoughts for a moment.
You really can make the world a better place for everyone
by less assuming,
by being more understanding,
by being more silent and by actually listening to other people!
You will be the first to benefit from it.
Why wait?
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Katrien
*’The Trouble is, It’s All Up to You. The Good Thing is, It’s All Up to You. By Katrien Degraeve.
**’Which Thoughts Are You Feeding?’ by Katrien Degraeve.