Perception

From art to the way this world revolves around us, perception is key to the interpretation of each one of us. Therefore, we cannot take perception as a reality.

Over the past few decades, the way people perceive the world around them has been more of an issue than ever before. Well, maybe not per se, but it has been talked about and recognized far more than in the past. We have formed new societal groups, added pronouns to our profiles, and made sure that nobody is subject to accidental offense.

Why are we so concerned with the way things are perceived by individuals? And can we rely on our perception?

One of the reasons we care so much about how the world views us is that social media platforms allow a wider variety of opinions to be exclaimed on a daily basis. Not one second goes by without somebody sharing their opinion about some topic, a person, or an event that either occurred or is about to happen. Whether we ask for it or not, there is no escaping what celebrities, friends, or family think about any of the above-mentioned. It is there for us to be bedazzled with or get furious about.

In any case. The way we perceive our surroundings and the way people express themselves is a tricky rabbit hole that way too many people allow themselves to be sucked into without taking a deeper look at its roots. We try so hard to get the other person to see the world in the same light we see. The problem is that it is an inconceivable notion that causes more division than unity. Perception can be a friend or foe depending on who you talk to. If we look at things based on a negative foundation, chances are that the opinion shaped on that foundation is off. A positive outlook can change the actuality of basically anything.

If we were to base facts about the following painting based on one person’s perception only, we would be in deep trouble. Now, this picture does not tell a positive or negative story. However, it does give you a good idea of how important it is to take someone else's perspective into consideration. Take a look.

Did you see a candlestick, or two faces first? Depending on how your brain works, you will see either or both. But your first impression is going to be different than that of another person. Optical illusions tend to deceive the eye or the brain rather and are based on several factors such as varying colors, patterns, lights, and more.

This phenomenon also happens when we take in details in regards to emotions and how people talk to us. What may be non intrusive to one, could be rudely invasive to somebody else. We all look at the way people talk to us, treat us, and how the world works in general, differently.

The question is. Is there a right or wrong way of perception?

I dare say when it comes to the way individuals dissect their surroundings and the way they feel, nobody has the right to dismiss their viewpoint. Who is to say what is offensive to you should be bothersome to another as well? For all we know, one person who gets offended about a joke in regards to their physical appearance might have been bullied in the past and now has a hard time taking critique or accepting anything derogatively spoken over others in that matter.

Perception is a gift that allows us to identify whether or not something is right or wrong for us. Consciousness is an ever-changing part of each one of us. We have to start accepting the beauteous awareness in every person we interact with. Putting the emotions and opinions of other human beings into consideration is a powerful tool for self-improvement. Understanding that perception is an individual's instrument to be guided in their right direction, is a sign that your perception is your friend.