Separate Realities.
Many years ago my husband and I attended an Oscar winning movie that provoked a great deal of emotion in both of us. As we are leaving the theatre, I was keenly interested in what his take was on the film and its deep reflections on redemption. As we discussed it, it was clear that we saw two different movies. Of course I was sure of my view and interpretation of the film, and he was equally certain of his – and they were not in any way, similar.
This points to two very important realizations:
-the first is that we each live in our separate realities and NO two realities are the same.
– the second is that mindsets have everything to do with what we see- and how we see it.
When I do couples counseling, I am always amazed at how two people think they are living in the same movie and are consistently disturbed that given that, conflict keeps showing up. If we accepted that each reality is different to greater or lesser degrees – it would be so much more interesting to know what the other sees – rather than wondering why they aren’t seeing it our way.
There are many inputs to thought content – and most of the time we dwell more on that content than on the power we each possess to create the reality we live in…not only is it a magnificent gift – it is also a mighty power that topples empires and gives creative genius to life. The nature of thought is to create – and by the time it has shaped itself into a form we know as content – it is past the creative choice point – and now we can work with those thoughts or simply leave them alone.
We decide based on how we feel – our feelings with tell us the quality of the thinking we have and whether wisdom is showing up or just ego. Wisdom brings with it beautiful feelings – ego – not so much. When we stumble into another’s reality – we can find it fascinating or disturbing depending on what we are listening to – love or something else.
We are entering the season of reflection – whether it be the Lenten observance, Passover or just the rites of Spring (warm weather please!) Take note of what you are creating with your mighty power of thought or what you are bumping into from one reality to another. It can be great fun when you know how the mind works – its truly the missing link to peace.
Enjoy!
