THE WINDOW OF PERCEPTION
Updated: Jun 29
How Our Inner Landscape Reflects Our External View
“The mind is certainly a very mysterious instrument... it can make a world out of nothing, or it can reduce a world to nothing. It is a window through which we look, but it is a window we have coloured ourselves.” ~Virginia Woolf
A warm hello! These poetic words from Virginia Woolf have me pondering, why do we encounter the same event or view as another, yet may emerge with entirely different experiences. When we take pause to look through a window, we allow for moments of stillness to connect with something beyond ourselves. We can reflect on how the outside world stirs inner emotions and can begin to realise that we are not merely observing what lies outside, we are receiving the view through the tinting of what lies within. This concept of perception as a window offers a profound insight into our reality and how we shape not only what we see but how we experience it through the power of the mind. I warmly invite you to join me as I briefly explore this timeless interplay between our inner and outer landscapes and how it ultimately creates the view in which we move though life.
Understanding Perception
Lets' begin by defining what perception actually is. Raw perception is simply the sensory intake of information, whereas conscious perception (the basis of this journal) is seen as a vital active tool of the mind, constantly translating sensory data into meaningful concepts. It is a multifaceted process shaped by the seen and the unseen, the known and the unknown. It acts as a survival and decision making compass for one to recognise danger, navigate environments and interact with others through the filters of ones cultural background, social conditioning and personal experiences. We can then understand that our perception is not considered neutral, rather subjective and almost always includes an element of judgment. In this way we construct our own personal "story" which becomes an aspect of our identity and the lens in which we receive the world around us, as Anais Nin observes~
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are." ~ Anais Nin
Recognising this self perpetuating reality reveals that we have the choice and power to alter our perception hence the way in which we experience what life brings forth.
Perception from a Spiritual View
Spiritual perception is considered to be the ability to see beneath the surface of everyday raw data and to recognise broader realities. It shifts one's focus from physical senses and material illusions to an inner connection with a higher power, moving the identity away from temporary circumstances towards eternal oneness.
A fundamental Buddhist concept that encapsulates this is Yathābhūta-dassana (Pali) ~ translating to "seeing things as they really are."In Buddhist philosophy, the goal of spiritual perception is to clear the mental filters of judgment, ego and material fixation to reveal true reality ~ leading to liberation and Nirvana (enlightenment).
Similarly, in Stoic philosophy, achieving neutral objective perception is the definition of Reason. Suffering is not caused by events, rather by one's judgment or perception of those events. Dissolving the judgment dissolves the suffering. Once perception is perfectly aligned with objective reality, one naturally experiences Apatheia ~ a state of freedom from irrational, destructive passions and biases.
Mystics like Rumi have long taught that the world we experience is shaped by the condition of our soul rather than external influences. Our dominant inner state of self projects outwards and is a direct reflection of what we cultivate, as he expresses beautifully below ~
"The world exists as you perceive it. It is not what you see, but how you see it. See it with love, and the world echoes that love. See it with fear, and it becomes a place of dread." ~ Rumi
From this spiritual perspective, our perception holds much power and mastering it is considered to be at the heart of inner transformation and self actualisation.
Transforming Reality Through Perception
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer
As we have gathered, the reality in which we find ourselves in is a construct of our inner state, bringing to light the aphorism "you will receive what you perceive". Dr. Wayne Dyer suggests, while the world around us may not physically alter, our lived experience of it changes dramatically the moment we shift our mindset, inviting transformation and the power of self~perception.
It is a reminder that while we cannot control every external event that happens, we have absolute sovereignty over how we interpret the event and in~turn respond. For example, when facing challenges, viewing them as obstacles may create stress and unease. Choosing to see challenges as opportunities for growth and embracing them as lessons, may instead create an enriching experience and one of inner expansion. Eckhart Tolle encourages us to view every moment as a service to a higher potential ~
“life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
Having this broader perception that there is a higher purpose to all experiences can really help one appreciate and navigate what comes their way with trust, openness and grace.
Widening our Window of Perception
Embracing different perceptions, widens the window within us allowing new insights to enter, deepening our understanding of self and the world in which we create around us. We can intentionally do this by simply being receptive and attentive to the different ways in which we can interpret our experiences. Below are some offerings of support in shifting one's perception ~
Do your Inner Work
Take the time and courage to heal and release wounds from life experiences and programming. Work towards understanding the origins of obstacles and illusions that limit you from highest perception. Modalities like Akashic Readings and QHHT® are ways in which to gain such insights.
Practice Self~Awareness
Be present in the moment by acknowledging and recognising automatic narratives and responses. Take this as an opportunity to pause and reframe thoughts for best outcomes.
Cultivate Empathy
Place yourself in someone else's position, reflecting on the ways in which a situation may be felt or understood by another and seek out diverse viewpoints to challenge your unconscious biases.
Create Stillness
Intentionally quieten your mind, allowing for observation of thought and feelings without judgment as to reveal the hidden patterns that shape your perception.
Engage with Spiritual Teachings
This is a well travelled path documented by many Mystics and Spiritual Leaders. Reading and educating oneself can inspire new understandings and higher thought.
Seek Nature
Nature itself is inherently neutral, it can bring balance to unconscious bias when approached with intention, an open heart and receptive mind.
Embracing our Window of Perception
Our window of perception can be viewed as a symbiotic portal, serving not only as a means to observe the world beyond ourselves but also as a means to explore our deeper world within. In acknowledging this, our perception serves as both a lens and a mirror, shaping how we interpret and create the life around us. Understanding the nature of perception encourages us to be aware of the intricate interplay between our experiences and the narratives we construct, revealing the profound truth that our self created reality is not merely a collection of sensory data, but a self woven tapestry made from our thoughts, beliefs and encounters. By embracing the power of self perception, we can open our inner windows wider to a richer, more meaningful and self guided life, allowing transformation, light and wisdom to flow freely between our soul and the universe. We can if we so choose ultimately create a life aligned with our greatest potential and in service to the greatest good of all.
With love,
Lou Broadbent
Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT® )
Level 2 Practitioner
beautifully written, your words are so impactful 💫