Perceptions

I have learnt through all that I have read and studied that reality is only a perception.

“Perception moulds, shapes and influences our experience of our personal reality.” Says Linda Humpreys- a psychologist and coach. “Perception is merely a lens or mind-set from which we view people, events and things.”

To me, our perception is the way we view the world based on the sum total of our experiences and the way we were taught to perceive the world.

Some may have a negative view of themselves and the world even if they have a good life going for them. They seem focused on all the things that are not going good, instead of the good in their lives. And there are those, who may not have much materially or be in crappy situations, but will still find a way to look at all the good in their lives and make the most of it. And there are some who find humour in any situation.

This gives us an insight of who we are and how we view the world, by our responses to others, and to events and situations in our lives. It can teach us a lot about ourselves and how we react or respond, whether it is fear based, negative, positive, living in gratitude for what is and much more.

No two people have the same perception. We may have similar perceptions based on shared experiences. Siblings brought up in the same household can have very different perceptions on life, because each one’s perception is based on their own feelings, beliefs and experiences.

We tend to argue when we have opposing points of view and one tries to convince the other of theirs. This happens mostly as the ego comes into play wanting to be right. But if we sit back and realise that each person has their own perception and own truths, we are more accepting of the situation and need not go convincing people that they were wrong and you were right. Everyone has a right to their own reality.

Perceptions of how we view our life can always be changed. Some of us struggle with certain issues or even the way we look at issues because of our perceptions. Our belief systems are the basis of our perceptions of others and of life. We can always change them to have an easier and lighter outlook on life.

The nursery rhyme Row, row ,row your Boat comes to mind.

Row, row, row your boat

Gently down the stream

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

Life is but a dream.

In this ditty, the boat is a metaphor for life. And it asks us to row or to move, change course if we need to, to grow and not stay stagnant in life. A boat that stays stagnant for long often rots.

Gently down the stream -with the flow, not fighting and struggling to go upstream, but to go with the flow of the Universe. Becoming more aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses without judgement.

Merrily, happily, joyfully, having fun along the way, observing our experiences and having faith and trust in ourselves and in a divine power to overcome whatever obstacles we may face, knowing that we are guided and protected.

Life is but a dream – that life or reality is the perception we allow it to be and that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Life is an illusion, it is not eternal but transitory. It is not our human form that lives on but our soul. And if we experience life from our soul and not our minds, our perceptions, our journey becomes lighter and happier.

So choose a good one !!!! A perception of what you would like it to be.