What’s the difference?
I was curious just how different perception and perspective are so I went to trusty Google to take a look.
Perception– The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
Perspective– One’s point of view or particular attitude towards something.
I found these definitions interesting. Can you use one without the other?
I would struggle to separate the two and yet, I know it can be done.
When I was young, a friend of mine tried to get me to like avocados. She raved that they were delicious if I would just give them a chance. I tasted a piece and found it a bit slimy. It reminded me of white glue. Before you go there, yes, I have tasted white glue as a curious kid. It was understood by me, from that day on I didn’t like avocados. I assumed all avocados tasted the same.
Fast forward a few years to a different scenario on vacation where guacamole was made right at the table. I watched as they added the green fruit and thought “ I am not going to like this”. To my surprise I did like the taste and began to perceive them in a new light. My perspective towards avocados was changed forever!
I have been working through the chakras of the Kundalini system within a course sponsored by the Yasodhara Ashram called Liberation. It’s based on a book called “Kundalini-Yoga For The West” written by Swami Sivananda Radha.
The senses have an important role in each chakra. The course challenges you to unpacked and put them through rigorous tests. To use perception to reach new awareness. Change perspective.
Which am I more likely to believe? The insight I am gaining based on my connection to senses or an attitude (perspective) entrench deeply in my past belief system?
Where am I going with this?
My perception is hinting that there is something wrong. The world doesn’t quite look right for some reason I can’t quite put my finger on it. Call it the sixth sense-intuition.
I find myself less distracted these days with the luxury of not working. That can be a good thing or a bad thing based on your perception and my perspective.
How can I change my world if I can’t see it clearly? I know I always have choices. Can I trust perceptions to guide me?
There is a quote that goes something like this…
Either you are the master of your life and decide where you are going or you are controlled by your emotions and life masters you.
You are what you think. You think then become what you are.
A simple exercise to change your perspective is to lay on your back with your feet placed up a wall. How do you see the world now? Do you perceive a difference? If you are able, do a handstand. When your world is upside down does your perspective alter?
Stay in this position and ask yourself “Do I want to build something different?” If the answer is “Yes” then use perception and perspective to build awareness and discernment.
