- Journal Entry #3 — Seeing It Otherwise
Like most people, I have experienced the profound influence of time on my perceptions.
The college paper that seemed mesmerizing in the moment eventually becomes paper to recycle. Pictures from high school that I thought I would never want to part with begin to seem superfluous, connected to a past that only exists in my mind. Goals that once felt urgent recede like an ocean wave. Beliefs and values that were part of my growing-up years have been transformed under the light of experience, maturity, and spiritual evolution. My favorite book is no longer my favorite. Anxiety about death or loss has been replaced by a deeper, more complete understanding of the universe. Activities that once seemed compelling, fun, or worthwhile no longer appeal to me.
Shifting perceptions also impact my assumptions, making automatic reactions obsolete.
- Shifting perceptions allow for silence … for spacious awareness … for a spiritual presence that removes the pressure of ego and the demands of the conditioned mind.
The depth of life can not be found in an endless round of “doing.” Rather, it must be sensed through “being.” Through having the presence of mind to do less and understand more. To notice each moment fully–living peacefully and resourcefully in the now–not projecting ourselves into a “busy” mind-fabricated future.
Watching the many shades of color in the sky on a single day reminds me of my shifting perceptions.
My ability to release the past and the future allow today to be less complicated, less tiring, and definitely, less mind-based (and therefore, artificial).
- Tossing aside perceptions of old helps me transcend the significant limitations of the conditioned mind. It exposes the true depth of life where there is no need for useless drama or pretense. No need for controversy, confusion, or competition.
Instead of living in a time-based reality that encourages an endless focus on past and future, I can opt for a spiritual reality that acknowledges the unknown, the timeless, and the power of presence. ~ dh
- For the next couple of weeks, explore your perceptions. Look at them honestly. How many outdated perceptions can you toss aside? How can you “see it otherwise” to update your internal world? How can you find a peace that extends beyond cultural definitions of “self” … beyond the expectations and assumptions of others? How can you disregard the reactions of others that flow from habit, not presence?
Thanks for stopping by. See you in a couple of weeks!
Seeing It Otherwise, our spiritual journey for 2013, focuses on exploring perceptions, assumptions, and reactions. It’s a great opportunity to journal or meditate on the ideas and questions presented. Blog posts will serve as brief journal entries every other Friday morning. Next post: March 15, 2013.
Thanks for visiting SunnyRoomStudio — a creative, sunny space for kindred spirits.
Daisy,
What a delight to come upon this insightful journaling topic (thanks so much for sharing the link with me on Twitter!). What you shared so resonated with me about how things we perceive or believe at one time are no longer relevant to us because we grow and move into a new perception as a result of the changes within. Journaling is the perfect place to discern those changes and help us make decisions concerning what to let go of that no longer works for us.
I have chosen your post, Tossed Aside, for the #JournalChat Pick of the Day on 3/1/13 for all things journaling on Twitter; a link will be posted on the social networks, on my blog and website Refresh with Dawn Herring, and in my weekly Refresh Journal.
#JournalChat Live is every Thursday, 5 EST/2 PST, for all things journaling on Twitter; our topic this week was Your Journaling: Stay Connected (with Yourself).
Thanks again for sharing this fresh perspective with tossing aside what is no longer relevant to us.
Be refreshed,
Dawn Herring
Your Refreshment Specialist
Host of #JournalChat Live and Links Edition on Twitter
Author of The Birthday Wall: Create a Collage to Celebrate Your Child
Hi Dawn, thank you so much for your generous comment and follow-up … appreciate it! The “sun” of shifting perspectives illuminates so many avenues of life. I agree that we can catch these changes via journal writing. Thanks again! ~ Daisy
Daisy, I second Laurie’s comment. Your words flow like paint from a brush and it’s so good to see written on the screen what is being written across my heart and soul. It’s been an interesting journey and knowing there are others who can see, recognize and acknowledge the stunning depth of the traveler gives me great comfort. Thank you for sharing your heart and your truth.
Hi Dorothy, appreciate your thoughts … great to share ideas with kindred spirits! Thanks for stopping by.
“Watching the many shades of color in the sky on a single day reminds me of my shifting perceptions.” You said this so well – and in one sentence! As always, Daisy, you are spot-on. Thank you for continually focusing on what gives me more peace in my life.
Thank you, Holly, for stopping by today! Focusing on peace is such a pleasure … glad it is helpful. Take care.
Daisy, you have the unique ability to zero in on a topic, paint it with your brush, and make us see the concept with new eyes. Interesting how we hold relics of the past and and promises of the future without truly questioning them. And in the process, we lose today. Thanks again for your inspiring post. I’ll share it on my wall for my friends to enjoy.
Cynthia, it is uncanny … but I often find myself learning as I write … letting the words filter in from afar … watching as the message appears on the screen. Seems like we cling to old ways of viewing life … the same way we cling to that dress in the back of our closet that we’ll never wear again. I wonder what we are saving it for, don’t you? :) Thank you, as always, for sharing your thoughts here and for taking the time to share with your friends. Gratefully, Daisy
“Watching the many shades of color in the sky on a single day reminds me of my shifting perceptions.”
The word picture you painted struck a peaceful, harmonious note with me.
Thanks, Laurie … great to see you here!