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I will only ever see the world through the lens that I'm wearing.
Wow.
Does this mean I never quite see the “full picture” in my life?
As long as I’m wearing the same lens of my ego, I will see the world tinted through the lens of my ego. Through the lens of my story. Of my emotions. Of my biases. The list goes on.
So now I have to ask: can I take off these lenses? Can I wear another lens?
How do I step into a more complete perception?
I want to share a little meditation with you. One that I discovered last week and has really changed the way I think of relationships.
First, close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Then bring to mind the image of someone.
Someone you might not like. Someone you have a difficult relationship with.
Someone you just don’t understand.
They could have different political views, religious or social views,
or maybe you have a difficult history.
Remind yourself of the following:
This person has a body and a mind, just like me.
This person has felt unworthy or inadequate, just like me.
This person worries and is frightened sometimes, just like me.
This person will die, just like me.
This person has longed for friendship, just like me.
This person is learning about life, just like me.
This person wishes to be free from pain and suffering, just like me.
This person wishes to be safe and healthy, just like me.
This person wishes to be loved, just like me.
Now, take a moment to wish well for this person.
To wish them strength, support and peace.
…I found this mediation so powerful. It immediately humanizes someone else. It immediately created empathy. This is how I can also remove my lenses and see the world with a wider perception: by hearing someone else’s story.
By stepping into someone else’s world.
By living with more empathy.
By taking myself out of the center.
When we make an effort to live with more empathy and compassion, we will see how our limited perception begins to expand and grow.
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