333. labels
We use labels for different ideas. Most times, we take for granted that the way we see things is how they actually are. It’s actually quite difficult not to do this as we are at the very center of our own universe, but the reality is this only leads to more misunderstandings than anything because one person’s interpretation likely doesn’t match another’s.
It might sound like we’re having the same conversation because we’re using the same label, but what we mean is completely different. For example, someone can be talking about Christianity in terms of squashing other people’s viewpoints, while another uses it as a way to speak about how you should be accepting and nice to your neighbor. Or, someone can be talking about a Paleo diet in terms of it being unrealistic in terms of a way to garner sustenance, while another uses it as a template to consume whole, unprocessed foods. The examples are endless because each of us views the world through a slightly different lens, therefore clarification is important.
The point is to seek to understand before continuing the discussion. Chances are a little exploration of someone’s label can provide a great deal of clarity, leading to a more productive conversation.
295. blue-tinted glasses
We like to think that our experiences are mutual. That reality is defined by our perception of an experience, and shared by all the same. But reality isn’t neutral for any of us. In fact, we each see a world not for the reality of what it is, but through the lens of our individual and unique beliefs.
Imagine donning blue-tinted glasses, all your experiences would be interpreted through shades of blue. That’s how belief works. We see the world, and our perception of “reality” through the lens of what we already believe, placing our personal spin on everything that happens to us.
For example, if we believe that the world is a scary and dangerous place, we are always going to see the negative in the world, as opposed to the boundless beauty that also exists within the same plane. It is our beliefs that cause us to feel a certain way which affects how we ultimately experience any given situation. If we’re only attuned to see blue, and feel that this is a universal experience, it can be hard to communicate with someone who can only see red. But if we can understand that all our experiences are unique, we can make an effort to provide more context when it comes to establishing some middle ground between any of us.