How often have you heard it said, that if we want to create a positive change in our lives, we need to create a shift in our perspective. What is perspective? Perspective is the way in which we view our surroundings, the people in our lives and the way we think about ourselves.

We did not just wake up one morning, with a perception. It has grown and evolved over time. Everything that has happened to us to date, colours our perception of the world around us. Our likes and dislikes, our self belief and what we see as our strengths and limitations.

But I want you to consider for a moment, just how accurate are we in our own self assessment? So many of us are so lacking in confidence, can we be truly unbiased. Our friends and family often have more confidence and faith in us, then we do.

Is it fair to limit yourself to what you believe is true about You! In reality, you have no idea, what your real potential is do you? Or what you are capable of doing or becoming. The truth is, non of us are, until we try. I am sure we have all at some point in our lives, tried something new, and found to our surprise, that we were actually good at it. What a shock! But what a pleasure! This is just one aspect of perception, the perception you have about yourself. Now lets look at life.

When we are sad, feeling unwell or vulnerable. The world can seem a grey and frightening place to be. The world looms large and nosily in front of you. Yet, if you could find just one thing, one small example of beauty, love and kindness, you would see how the world can tilt and change. Things seem lighter, warmer, more colourful, and safe. Just one thing, can make this difference. When you find one thing, look for another, and another.

Going within, finding stillness and peace, can also create a change in your perception. No matter how the world on the outside appears to us, if inside, there is turmoil, doubt and constant mental chatter, it is hard to focus on anything. Meditation, or simply relaxing with your eyes closed to some beautiful music, can be the start of a inner shift.

If you stop worrying for one second, the world will not cease to spin, and no one will get hurt. Give yourself permission, to let go. Surrender to life and accept things as they happen. Believe that in some way, it has a meaning a purpose, even if at this point in time you cannot see or understand what it is. Simply doing this can be so liberating.

To create a shift in your perspective, in your life, requires you to let go of the belief, that your thoughts, idea’s about who you are and the world around you, are set in stone. Let go of the chains that tie you to previous experiences, especially if they have been negative ones. Let go of judgments and expectations. Be open, expect the unexpected, and welcome it. Life is beautiful!

I have been reading a book called “The Anapansati Sutta, which teaches the mindfulness of breathing and tranquil wisdom of Meditation”. By Ven V Vimalaramsi”.

I am always looking for a simple method for meditating as I would love to meditate more. I have a butterfly mind which is easily distracted, although I would say, I am much better then I was. I was told once that what is important in meditation, is not so much as to totally empty the mind of thought, but to simply slow it down. This was a light bulb moment for me and was not so easily deterred thereafter whenever I decided to sit quietly and meditate. When I do succeed in meditating I benefit greatly from it.

I loved the way in which this book is written, as it is full of little stories which are used to illustrate a point in a simple way. I would like to share one of these stories with you, because it demonstrates how closed minded many people are, all pushing forward there own perception of the truth. Even the most open minded among us are probably to some degree or other still guilty of this.

“The Lord Buddha, illustrated the futility and absurdity of unilateral (one way) belief and thinking by this story:

Once upon a time there was a King, who wishing to amuse himself, ordered the royal elephant to be brought before him. He also ordered some blind men, blind from birth, to be brought near the elephant. He then asked these blind men to touch the elephant and give a description of the elephant to him.

The man who touched the tail said the elephant was like a broom. The one who touched a leg said it was like a tree. The one who touched the body, said it was like a wall. The one who touched the ear said the elephant was like a winnowing fan. Thus, each described the elephant differently, but each was sure that his own version was the true description of the elephant. They did not realise that each one touched only a part of the elephant. each blind person had only a one-sided truth. They started arguing with each other, each sticking to his own point of view.

The Lord Buddha pointed out that mediators, as well as philosophers dispute and quarrel with each other. They dogmatically cling to their views. When people become dogmatic, they cease to look for the truth. Because dogmatism separates all people, including those who work to open up and purify their minds.”

I am sure there are many of us who quite proudly state we are open minded and tolerant of other people’s views and beliefs. But I would be willing to bet deep down, we do feel that our way is ‘the’ way. But truly, I don’t think there is ever that one moment when we can ever think that. Life is full of never ending experiences and from one moment to the next we can become different in our thoughts and are affected by impressions and people we meet, how can we ever feel that ‘this is it, now I know’.

I can only speak for myself when I say, that quite literally from moment to moment, my thoughts can change. I am constantly being stimulated with new thoughts and often a new way of looking at old thoughts. I am constantly learning, changing and I hope evolving. So my last words on this post is, never underestimate, the important of being open minded