So many of us spend our days seeing life through a cracked lens. Perception colours everything and gives us an incomplete view of what we are trying to see. Most of the time, we don’t even know that we are seeing an incomplete picture.
In our journey to becoming wiser human beings, we need to understand that there is a big difference between the factual information our senses gather and our interpretation of these events.
We tend to treat our interpretations as fact! The truth is – they are not!
Perception is the process of gathering information through our senses, and then, organizing and making sense of it. The process of gathering information is gained through what you see, hear, feel, taste and smell. It happens naturally without any effort on your part.
As we process this information with our knowledge, memories and attention, a new picture is formed. Here is an example from our breakfast table.
Ed, my husband, does not like strong coffee. I like strong coffee. When we make a pot of coffee in the morning, we have agreed to move the setting on our coffeepot about halfway between medium and strong.
Ed perceives his coffee compromise as a little strong, but ok and I perceive my coffee compromise as a little weak, but still flavourful. It’s fascinating that two cups of coffee from the same pot can have such different responses. Each of us is experiencing our coffee through our own cracked lens.
You have a perception that is as unique as you are. Everything that happens to you during your day is perceived in a certain way. Actually, these are called perceptual filters. They are running unconsciously 24/7. Perceptual filters behave like sunglasses or even cracked lenses. We change their colour as easily as we change our mood or our thoughts.
What I mean by ‘filter’ is that it is part of our process of perception. That is, how we view our life and everything happening within it. Filters are based on expectations, assumptions, and experiences we’ve learned through life.
Some perceptual filters can also contribute great chaos and strain to your relationships both at home and at work. Some perceptual filters create ease, calm and happiness in your world.
This brings us to the concept of Perceptual Intelligence. Marissa Broughton discussed this ability in her article, “Perceptual Intelligence”.
“Perceptual Intelligence is the knowledge and understanding that everything we experience (especially thoughts and feelings) are defined by our perception. It’s important to realize that this is an active, not passive, process and therefore we have the ability to control it or change it.”
Perceptual intelligence means that you know you have a choice. What perception are you choosing? When you are aware of what perceptual filter you are using, you now have the option of changing it. You can choose to view things in a different way. This is the beginning of wisdom.
Let’s now bring this conversation about perceptual filters to your perception of yourself. Sometimes this is called self-image. Your self-image is a view of you that is based on expectations, assumptions, and experiences you’ve learned through life.
And a lot of this comes from other people! Like your parents. Like your friends. Like your colleagues at work. It usually comes from what other people say about you. The problem is that this is their ‘perception’ about you which is based on their perceptual filters and what they have been told about them! And it is usually this conglomeration of perceptions that makes up what you believe about yourself.
So I ask you – how accurate is this information?
Here is another question – Do you believe you are a spirit (or soul) or a body?
If you believe you are a body – what is driving your body?
If you tell me that your mind is driving your body, I ask you another question – What has more capacity – your mind or your heart?
Allow me to share what I have experienced over and over again for many years of working with sound with thousands of people. Sound is an energy that allows you to touch your core. And what is your core?
It is pure spirit! It is pure love! It is pure peace! It is pure joy! It is pure bliss!
These qualities always emerge after a profound experience with sound. Harmony occupies the core of the spiritual dimension of your being. This is your natural state. Harmony sits deep in your heart. This beautiful place of peace is a permanent part of your being. You can never lose this peace. It is with you forever.
It is possible to become out of tune with this place of harmony and peace. Sound (and music) is a powerful way to help you reconnect with that beautiful, inner you.
For the entire year, 2023, I am offering monthly sound baths online. These are experiences that allow you the opportunity to experience the beauty that is the core of your being. Over and over.
Join me here: https://wellnessuniverse.learnitlive.com/Class/Food-for-Your-Soul-Sound-Bath-with-WU-Expert-Sharon-Carne/22253
In Health and Harmony,