Isn't it dangerous? It's all about perception
Last weekend I was in Mexico City with a friend of mine. We had an absolutely amazing time and I could go on and on about the city, how much there is to see, do, eat, and experience, but that’s not really my point here. While there, Emily and I got talking about how numerous people had said voiced their concern of traveling to Mexico City, wasn’t it a super dangerous place, and why would we want to go there? And it got me thinking about perception and the lens with which we view the world around us and our experiences.
Everything that we do is through our own lens and filter; it’s how we see the world, how we respond to what’s going on around us, and how we move through our lives. For many, past experiences create and shape these filters and they stick whether we consciously or unconsciously know it. Our brain loves to associate stories with things whether they’re true or not and those stories get ingrained. We then wear those glasses over and over even though the prescription may no longer be what serves us best.
At some point when I was in high school I convinced myself that I didn’t like cheesecake. Had I ever had cheesecake, no. However, I was an elite athlete, I was told things with a lot of fat were bad and I should eat healthy, so I convinced myself that I hated cheesecake. And, to go along with it, I stuck my nose up at any mention of it or anyone who liked it. Totally ridiculous! However, I convinced myself of these things, especially because of the negative connotation and thought that it was so terrible for me, and held it as truth for many many years. My perception created a reality that I should and would despise cheesecake.
It was only recently that I actually tried cheesecake and wow, to my surprise it was really dang tasty. I finally decided that I would challenge my perception and the lens with which I considered it. And what do you know, my story surrounding cheesecake was not serving me, I was totally missing out!
If I’m doing this with cheesecake where else am I limiting myself or not showing up with the most empowering story or clearest lenses?
As trite as this example may be I invite you to consider your own perceptions and what glasses you come to the table with. Also considering and knowing that those around you have their own set of glasses on as well. Whether it’s our own abilities, events at work, family members, or places around the world, we are consciously and unconsciously creating and/or reinforcing perceptions all the time. Some of these perceptions are growth oriented and others are not.
I could have gone into Mexico City from a place of fear and worry about my every move because of other people’s perception. But let’s be honest that wouldn’t have been very fun. Why? Because I would have been in a place of resistance rather than openness and receiving. I chose to go in with open eyes, mind, and heart to see what the experience would bring.
It is possible to change our perception and re-write those ingrained stories. The first step is awareness and then you can begin to shift and adjust your filters to design and lead the life that you desire.
Approaching not just Mexico City, but everything around me, with a sense of openness and receiving rather than resistance and closure is so much more fulfilling and empowering. As it turns out it's also easier and ultimately more joyful. It opens the door to so much more and, as I covered in a previous post, the ability to experience the small moments of opportunity and awe of kairos.
So my question is, where are you holding yourself back because of a story you’ve been telling yourself, because if the lens you have on while viewing a specific situation, person, or experience?
What would it look like to change the perspective and swap out the lenses?
Maybe it's time to have a bite of cheesecake...
xoxo
jessie
Pause : Breathe : Savor the Moment