Perspective Matters.
You know, we hear that all the time, but I think we often lose sight of that in so many ways. We see what we see, and often get so bent out of shape when others see things differently. Shit, we’ve seen wars over such bullshit. So, let me give you a very simply and subtle reminder of how much perspective truly changes how we see things…
Today, we had a solar eclipse. In our area, we got 80% coverage, which meant we got a pretty good experience. As the time approached, my wife was excited and ready to go outside. So, I took a break and went out to join her.
Eventually, my 18 year old daughter came to the door to ask a question, and we encouraged her to come out and experience it as well.
As the sun began to get covered up, the shadows of the leaves did their very cool bending. My wife was over there just in awe, loving every moment of it.
“Is That It?”
As the eclipse took it’s full effect, my daughter looked at me and asked “is that it?”
I tried to share with her the significance of it all. I talked about the shadows, how the color of the light was different, and even how the air got dramatically cooler. She shrugged, said something like “cool”, and then walked back inside – unimpressed.
Meantime, my wife is over there still geeking out, taking photos and living in the moment.
You see… my wife is legally blind.
She is unsure how much longer she will retain what limited vision she still has. She was determined to enjoy every moment of this event just in case she can’t see the next one that may come years down the road.
Two Different Perspectives
The event was exactly the same. The sun was blocked by the moon for a moment, and the light got dimmer, the air got cooler and the shadows bent in really cool ways.
Had this been 1000 years ago, a virgin would have been sacrificed somewhere in the world. But instead, today an 18 year old was unimpressed and a half blind woman was geeking out.
Perspective matters.
In all things.
Remember that when you and someone else aren’t seeing things the same way. Your own experience and individual circumstances may not allow you to understand the other person’s point of view… but you have to respect that they are entitled to it.
The more we can openly talk about how we see this world, without all the negative bullshit in criticizing and demeaning others for their view… the more we can actually begin to see what they see, and maybe we can better understand each other.
What a concept!
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