“We see the world, not as it is, but as we are — or, as we are conditioned to see it.” — Stephen R. Covey from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Over the passage of years almost imperceptibly, we become layered with repeated behavior we find difficult to recognize. The perspective and perception that we allow to filter our existence, is so indelibly imprinted in our being, it is an exercise in futility to use any form of objective awareness toward individuals who don’t/can’t see with the “eyes behind their eyes.” Personal experience over many years, has repeatedly shown me this obvious principle without exception. Unless and until one can release a conditioning that has colored their daily lives, almost nothing penetrates this “doctrine of darkness.” It appears these individuals are impervious to who they are, what they project and how they reflect a persona of conflicted intention. Thomas Sowell has another take on this, “Talkers are usually more articulate than doers, sense talk is their specialty.” The expression talking heads comes to mind, and form over substance certainly engenders what many of us experience consciously on a universal level.
Embracing consciousness today, is almost . . . for many, a lost art. It appears we don’t respond graciously, it is more a knee jerk reaction coupled with a rejoinder that smarts, stings and rebukes with swift aplomb. Let’s take a step back a moment, and make a conscious choice to see the world not as we are. Big leap . . . and necessary for change . . . if you so choose. Not easy . . . however, to see the world without the pre-conceived layers of conditioning is very much like jumping off a cliff. Those around you may not recognize the subtle change which will gradually evolve, however as Herm Albright put it so well, “A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
Only you can change yourself . . . of course that means that you see a reason to do so . . . consciously. Those around and about you, will or won’t reinforce this choice . . . so be it . . . move on. Present awareness, responsibility for your actions, accountability with discovery of your personal truth, will enrich and fulfill your life beyond measure. This is not expressed to convince you of anything. You must want to change the present circumstances, and do the work toward that end. In the Talmud are these words so aptly directed . . . “You can educate a fool, but you cannot make him think.” JLR