Is Your Filter Distorting Your Perception of Reality?
We go to the eye doctor on a regular basis to have our eyes examined and inevitably we require a stronger prescription, although sometimes our prescription actually improves. Either way, it changes perhaps as we age, as a function of our lifestyle, or based on how we care for our eyes.
We also have a lens through which we see and experience the world, a lens that acts a filter, disseminating and often adjusting our perception of reality, combining bits of information we process and subsequently respond to. That lens obtains information that supports whatever perspective we maintain in any given moment. If we are happy, we may identify and relate to happy experiences. If we are sad, we may fixate upon sad events to commiserate with.
Regardless of our inner weather, we will gather evidence to support whatever point of view we maintain.
Much like getting our eyeglasses or contact lenses adjusted, our field of vision as determined by the lens through which we see the world can be blurry, convoluted, foggy, or simply distorted. As the window through which we process information, transition beyond our current or historical perspective becomes challenging at best. Imagine you awake in the morning with a negative point of view desperately seeking happiness, yet as a result of the filter through which you experience life, you are unable to access the positive vibrations around you which would actually assist you in shifting your perspective, and instead see continual reminders of the negativity surrounding you. This experience is similar to purchasing a car and immediately seeing the same vehicle on the road everywhere you go.
Just as we have our teeth cleaned, our health assessed, and our eyes examined, we must assess the state of our lenses, the filters through which we see and experience everything around us. It is through these filters that we not only make decisions, but make determinations about what life means, if and where we belong, and what we do next. Yes this is the perfect moment, not specific to this time of year, but because you are a seeker, and one who desires more, whether in the form of happiness or fulfillment.
How To Know If Your Filter is Distorting Your Perception of Reality:
Before you obsess with your next steps in life, take a moment to analyze the filter through which you see the world. This list is by no means conclusive but ask yourself the following questions as a starting point to help you determine where you lie in the spectrum.
- Irrespective of your actual reality, do you naturally fixate on drama or negativity?
- Is your perception one that supports your victimhood, your pettiness, or your mediocrity? One that supports your greatness?
- Regardless of what is spoken from others, are you inclined to misinterpret, overreact, or misunderstand and get frustrated in the process?
- Are you gathering support for the lack in your life, or naturally focusing on the abundance around you?
- Do you regularly complain about situations that don’t live up to your expectations?
- Are you constantly reminding yourself of how you think life should be different?
Change Your Filter and Change Your World!
Take a moment to set the benchmark for your life. What is it you really want? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to follow your purpose, to find happiness and fulfillment, and to experience the fullness life has to offer? If so, clean your lens, and relax your filter. We can experience the greatness of life, or the negativity – there is plenty of either to go around. Choose wisely as we are often unconscious with regard to how we approach life, yet our needs and desires are real.
Be conscious to how you perceive your world. Choose to see the greatness. Avoid complaining. Take life one moment at a time. See the magnificence not only in yourself but all around you.
Anything is possible, but not if you are blind to its existence. Open your eyes…
Many blessings and happy holidays,
Seth
