Everyone sees the same picture, just differently.

     

     Today I want to talk about separate realities. I learned this phrase in the book I mentioned in a previous blog titled: "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: And It's All Small Stuff" It really resonated with me because I have been seeing news articles about all the crazy things going on in the world today, and at any given day it's all mostly negative, but every now and then I'll find a piece that is positive, engaging, thoughtful and fills me with a new fresh perspective. So that's what keeps me going back to the articles, but what draws me to reading news articles from different sources and varied subject matter that may be harsh, offensive, or completely different and skewed from what I agree with is that I want to gain knowledge from the understanding of these people, stories, and the way someone else sees something in the universe. 

     I might not even understand the subject matter the journalist or blogger is talking about, but if it has piqued my interest slightly, I want to understand more about it. I'll search for similar articles from different authors to truly reach what I think is a basic understanding. Then I'll research it more if it is something palatable and worthwhile to learn in my eyes. I want to see the same picture we all see, but with different eyes. I want to find some kind of common ground. Formulate my own truth.

 

     That's what was exactly presented to me in this latest excerpt from that book. We need to try and see things differently, and basically expect people to do things differently when we'd rather them do the opposite. It's not that we condone the behavior, but just accepting that people will and do react differently to the same stimuli can dramatically change your perspective on life.

 The author says that just as we see different cultures around the world and wouldn't expect them to see or do things the same way we do, the way that we all individually see the world is different so there is no other way than to just accept we are all different. He says that when we consider deeply and respect the fact that we are all unique, the love we feel for others as well as the appreciation we have for our own uniqueness will increase. That is precisely what we need a little bit more in the world each day is love. It lets you gain a little more compassion for yourself and for others. This potent principle is key to truly expanding your horizons and understanding the world a little better each day.