“As you choose to relinquish your perception of the world (of others), or any circumstances, you discover that you are already abiding in freedom. The power—and that is what freedom is—it is the power to create differently. And to create is the effect of what you will choose to see.”
The Way of Transformation
Over the past couple of weeks, I have learned a great deal about perception. The lesson started with someone sharing with me how deeply they were hurt by someone else. I, being good friends with that someone, knew why that person responded the way they did. Later, I was speaking with someone else, and the two of us came up with totally different memories of the whole situation.
Who was right? Who knows? The point is that memories are stories. Stories change with time. The problem with telling stories over and over is they tend to get more dramatic because Drama Queen or Screaming Mimi is telling it. Someone hurt you; you sure they meant to? Were they having a bad day? Do we question ourselves or do we just accept our perception?
Our perception is not Truth. These events triggered me to reflect. In the past, when I would speak to a friend and let them know George (someone who pushes your buttons) was so nasty to me that day, “George is always angry at me for no good reason.” That’s not Truth. That was just a moment in time. There were so many times I did not do any self-reflection. I accepted the way I saw things as truth, and George’s perspective as inherently wrong. How will you ever get to a place of acceptance with your George without questioning yourself?
This can be painful at first, but slowly it becomes somewhat enjoyable. Why? It is freeing. You feel lighter, happier. As you let go of your perceptions, you free yourself from negative emotions and beliefs that no longer suit you. It is painful when you realize you spent precious time holding on to a perception instead of trying to work on yourself and your relationship with George.
You begin to realize George did not always react to you negatively, but you always took it that way. Yes, George, at times, was angry but other times not. As I write this, I am sitting with George, who is preparing to leave this plane and return to the vast Ocean, (In The Littlest Sailboat, the Ocean represents God, Source, the Divine.) I realize the time I wasted in anger through the years. I will not beat myself up but will look upon this relationship and learn to question my perceptions.
I hope this story helps you to reflect on the Georges in your life. Can the relationship be healed? Maybe, maybe not. Both parties have to be open to reflecting on their own behavior, their own perceptions. Sometimes only one party is willing to do the work, and it might be time to part. How do you know for sure without trying?
Please, take time, reflect, and have another look at your perceptions.
Theresa Contaxis 