Perspective

I see problems and negativity all around me in the world. I don’t want them to bring me down.

Perspective

Perspective is the way we see things. It can be thoughts, feelings or opinions. It can be an attitude, approach, frame of mind, viewpoint or outlook. It is a way of thinking about something that is often influenced by our experiences and background. In art, perspective  is a way of drawing things to create the illusion of depth and distance on a flat surface.

Perspective can involve comparison. We can look and understand something by comparing it to something we already know, possibly robbing it of its uniqueness and failing to see its true form. Our perspective is elastic, changing as we change and experience life. Others can influence our perspective by expressing their views on something. Perspective is subjective.

Sometimes we are not aware of our perspective. It is so ingrained in us, having begun to form in our youngest years, influenced by those around us and by our experiences. Developing an awareness of our perspective, or point of view, in life, goes far in enhancing our self-awareness. The way we view things affects every aspect of our lives. If we experience a challenge, for example, we can look at it as a disaster or as an opportunity to grow. Depending on which perspective we choose, our experience of the challenge is affected.

Perceiving Openings

Our perspective can come into play at the moment we encounter an Opening. An Opening appears and we see it. How do we see it? Often, through the lens of how we are feeling at that moment.  Surprise that it appeared? With fear? With gratitude? With a feeling that the time is not there for us to deal with it? This is how perspective can affect how we see the Openings in our lives.

We often hear the maxim that we have a choice to see the glass half empty or half full. With Openings, what if we see them as burdens? They won’t be as easy to deal with and we may pass them by. Or we may make it a trial to deal with them. If we see Openings as opportunities, we may approach them with enthusiasm, seeing them in their best light. Doing so may give us energy to see them through.

Openings can disguise themselves. They can come initially in the form of a bad turn of events and then turn out to be a blessing and conduit for positive change. The perspective we have regarding Openings matters. Openings are an invitation to go somewhere new.  In this era of change, it is essential that we hone our ability to recognize and take advantage of Openings – opportunities for growth and transformation that present themselves to us.