|
Perceptions
|
                   
|
Choosing Perceptions by Jim Logan I think it's interesting how and why we react to things. I mean, many of us don't question our reactions. We just kind of know its how we are. When "blank" happens, a certain reaction takes place. This happens emotionally for some, mentally, spiritually or physically for others. Usually one or two stronger areas dominate but all exist on some level. We sometimes identify who we are by these reactions. Behind reactions are 'buttons' or 'sensitive areas' that when stimulated by our perceptions turn into reactions. I'll go another step or two deeper. "Buttons" or "sensitive areas" point closer to who we really are. They show us, by strength of reaction, what kinds of experiences stimulate us. That which doesn't stir any area of us are things of small importance or trivial to us in nature. Sometimes things that were once trivial can become important but, I'm speaking of us as if in a snapshot of a moment. What we are is in this moment, not moments ago or moments to come. Perceptions are biased by their very nature. That is, a perception doesn't exist without a perceiver. We are that perceiver. Our beliefs filter or bias perception into reactions. Often beliefs and perceptions are confused to be thought of as separate things. But they are very interrelated. Our beliefs can limit what we perceive. So beliefs change perception. They sometimes decide through habit to ignore some things and give exaggerated emphasis to others. Things we experience that are similar in some way 'pull in' parts of the reaction to the other experience. We sometimes aren't even aware of when this happens. This is sometimes the basis for how we learn, i.e. not putting your hand on a hot burner. However, this type of learning also hampers treating experiences with a clean, fresh, or like for the 1st time kind of perspective. Once something is done for the 1st time, it's often never thought of with the same objectiveness or innocence. Things of like nature tend to get categorized into neat little emotional/physical or mental reactions. Experiences that have that total openness, surprise, and lack of expectation seem to become fewer and further between as we get older.
Everyday, experiences based in old patterns become more blasé and bland. I can't really, specifically, remember the ride to work a week ago. But I can sure remember lots of days of driving when I first began to. A lot, maybe most people spend much of their lives looking for these new or different experiences that give them that rush, or satisfaction, or happiness, or whatever it is that stimulates them. Perceptions and beliefs are almost habits. They can be changed. We can draw on deeper parts of us that fit new reactions that we want. We have to put energy and focus into establishing new beliefs and reactions. We choose our perceptions. By Jim
Logan
|
|
