The Whole Picture
Sense perception is partial vision.
The entire world will brighten when you realize and lift the limitations of the fabulous neurophysiological process of understanding external stimuli through the senses. We each have life experiences and circumstances which create the filter through which we process. Although useful, the filter obscures the crisp clarity of Truth.
During a stroll through the rose garden on a warm summer evening in the pink glow of the sunset, the intoxicating fragrance may elicit joy and peace. However, a dive into the thorny rose bushes during a fierce goal defense as you play ball in the garden may leave you with a sense of dread and faint memories of medical attention the next time rose fragrance wafts your way.
Commonly (pretty much always), we create stories based on our experiences. We have residual memories from our processing emotions and reactions to life’s happenings that are now part of our filter. When someone is aloof during a friend’s party, you may conclude that he doesn’t like you. The reality likely has nothing to do with you, but with the other person’s processing of his own life events. Maybe he’s preoccupied with a deadline or maybe his back hurts, but you may be formulating details to corroborate your own story of his dislike. Your mind is creating based on past experience and your current emotions rather than a full reality. Cool, right?
When we believe our perception is complete, we stop looking for the truth beyond. Makes sense. Why would you look further if you think you see the whole picture?
What if… we notice our created stories and automatic reactions then become curious about the full truth?
Our world is full of symbols: words, spoken or thought, that define but confine. Obviously useful for communication and strategy, words are limiting when we believe them to be absolute. I love the color blue, I love ice cream, I love my daughters, and I feel God’s eternal love. The use of the same word doesn’t quite convey the meaning intended. The energy beyond the words and experiences, the universal truth that pervades all, is found by including inward perception. Going beyond our senses, we can add the wisdom available to us. In awareness and stillness, we can remove layer after layer to reveal the core Truth and perceive fully.
Simply accepting the notion of a larger reality is the impetus to clarify vision and brighten your landscape.
