Lenses of Perception

© Michelle Chan

Whether we are conscious of it or not, each of us wear a pair of lenses, or "glasses," that alter the way we perceive the world around us. As children, we observe the world through unfiltered lenses. But as time pass, we quickly learn, implicitly and/or explicitly, how to interpret the world through the lenses of those around us (i.e. family members, teachers, peers). Having grown up and after having had these lenses on for so long, we forget sometimes that we even have them on. It is then that we fail to realize that our lenses are tinted through our experiences and what we have been taught by those we know.

© E.W.

Everybody has their own pair of lenses that they see this world through, which makes it easy for miscommunication and conflict to occur. But! If we allow ourselves the opportunity to continue to grow through meeting new people, experiencing new things, gaining a higher education, etc. Well, then. We just might be able try on another's lenses long enough for us to learn something valuable, or at the very least, develop an understanding.

The lenses in which we use to perceive our world will always be tinted, whether we realize it or not. Sometimes, it is much easier for us to go on automatic pilot (like so many people do when they are driving long distances to school or work), than to re-evaluate our perceptions and make conscious choices. We may unknowingly be hurting ourselves or others without realizing it. Therefore, it is important for each and everyone of us to take a closer look at where our preconceived notions come from. If anything, just to see if it still fits who we have become today or who we want to become in the future.

At times, despite our best efforts to look within, it can be extremely difficult for us, to see where we may be short-sighted and how that can potentially negatively impact our relationships with others. (A quote that comes to mind is "We can't know what we don't know.") It is then that seeking an outside perspective becomes an important step to exploring how our views are impacting ourselves and our relationships. Feel free to contact me to see if I can be of any help on your path of self-discovery!

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“Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become your habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” -Frank Outlaw