As human beings, we can’t help but be biased and subjective, thus making reality irrelevant.
It’s all comes down to perception and perspective.
Both work in tandem as they shape our experiences in life. Although they are closely connected, they differ in a few ways.
Perception is what we see.
Our internal lenses process and interpret sensory information, which influences our reality. It is molded by our upbringing, culture, beliefs, and experiences. It helps us make sense of everything we see, hear, and think.
Perspective is how we see it.
We see reality through our filters. How we interpret our experiences is based on our opinions and our beliefs. Our viewpoints affect our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It makes up our attitude and how we choose to understand and look at things in the world.
For instance, the image of a glass would be your perception.Whether the glass is half empty or half full would be your perspective.
When I was a young child, I was running towards my neighbour’s dog to greet him. He jumped up on me and bit me. My experience was frightening, and from that time on I ended up being afraid of dogs. Today, I changed my perception (all dogs bite and are scary) to a new perspective (dogs are friendly and not all dogs bite; perhaps the dog felt threatened as I ran towards him).
In the book Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, a psychologist, describes how he survived the Nazi concentration camps. His perspective was vital in helping him hold on to a sense of meaning and purpose, which gave him the strength, hope, and motivation to endure all the suffering. He chose to focus on his loved ones as well as visualize himself giving lectures on how he made it through.
Our perspective is shaped by our perceptions. Our perception can be confining, create a narrow point of reference, and keep us stationary. However, our perspective can offer an expansive and more flexible framework that allows us to consider a wider range of viewpoints, go beyond our obstacles and make wiser decisions.
Our perspective can harness the power of a positive mindset and transform our challenges.
In addition to improving our problem-solving skills, reframing helps us navigate through life by fostering stronger communication and connections.
It is essential to keep an open mind and keep on learning so that we can gain a deeper understanding of how we process our thought patterns.
In life, it’s not what happens to you that matters; it’s how to choose to respond.
Anyone for a glass of wine?
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
