“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
We might not realize it, but the people who surround us influence our perspective. Through body language, through word… it only takes something small to cause our view to become distorted. Sometimes for the better, but I’ve found this negatively effects me as well.
I am my own person… my thoughts, mine. My actions, mine. But to a certain point, I think I inherit some of what surrounds me. It just happened to me the other day…
I was having a conversation with a good friend about a topic I didn’t know much about. Before I could form an opinion for myself, she had already done so for me. I had no previous knowledge of said topic, so all I knew of it was the points she addressed… the pros and cons through her eyes.
If something is put out into the universe, it’s there for us to absorb. In this case, it was her opinion, which pieces of I took in. I have the problem of then building my own opinion on top of someone else’s.
How do you erase what you already know? Can you?
I think you can, it just takes knowing what influence to allow in, or push aside. When we neutralize the way we look at something, we start back at zero. The vibes and energy that linger around should always stay true to you. I think it takes a little bit of learning… learning that we have control over our perspective, no matter how many influences surround us.
More inspiring posts from the BLDG 25 Blog.
Nicely said! It’s sometimes hard to not get absorbed by other people’s opinions but it’s a good reminder that’s still US making decisions. And on another note, I love your photos! x
http://www.foundsomepaper.com
Beautiful. Your passage reminds me of when I traveled for the first time. As I was learning about a different people, my perception of my own life was shattered. I love the way you put it: it went back to zero. I learned more about myself than I did about the other culture… I learned that I had a perception about the world, and that’s all it was a perception. I fell involve with seeing the world from other people’s eyes. You’re right. Once we know something, we never unlearn it. I guess that’s why I felt so different coming back home. :)
http://www.raquelmanuela.com
This is awesome – and I love that post! I have definitely learned this lesson the hard way, but what matters most is that I learned it at all. Thank you as always for the encouragement to self-improve and the gentle reminders.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Wow, this was amazing. I think that keeping memories that contrast what we believe is a good way to find a new sense of hope.
Great post!
I think it is very difficult not to be influenced…One of the recent books I read outlines that what is most damaging for us is the importance we put on the stuff. If there is a topic that we found crucially important, then we can also be easily influenced by others.
Love your photos :)
Valerie
http://vsugarfree.com/
yes, I have done it. It does truly work. For me I need pause, to step back from my emotions (I have to cool off if I’m too emotional) and look at the situation, realizing that I CAN look at it and experience it differently. I can chose to perceive it in a happier healthier way. And when I decide to be happy, rather than just experience a “knee jerk reaction”, that is such an amazing experience. Such an incredibly powerful feeling. I highly recommend it!
The Weaver Of Words…..give me 15 words and I’ll tell you a tale
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWeaverOfWords
So true, wise wise words. Love it.
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MichaelaJeanArt
I don’t necessarily think it is about erasing what you already know. I think it is more about understanding the opinions of others and having the confidence in yourself to form your own thoughts in conjunction with the knowledge someone has shared with you. Whenever I receive information I always think to myself, “Does this sit well in my heart? Does this speak to me?” If the answer is no, then I take a step back and provide myself with enough information to make my own opinion.
Beautiful photography :)
http://www.thatscoralynn.com
This is such a thought provoking post! It is so difficult not to absorb other people’s opinions. Wonderful photos!
thelifeofastudenttraveller.blogspot.co.uk
I totally agree with you! I have been so over the negative everything in my life, people, social media etc..,
Love the article…very interesting post. The whole point is to have a positive attitude towards life…and you do so my creating an environment for yourself where you are happy. I love that quote you created, I also create fun quotes on http://peeklooks.com/createaquote. You should check it out.