It’s Not About the Nail – Reality or Perceptions of Reality?

In life, we generally have the idea that what we can see, hear, taste, touch is “reality”. However, is it really reality or is it our perceptions of reality? Perceptions of reality can be quite different from reality.

When we come in to contact with any situation, we are quite often making continuous appraisals of the situation. Many times these appraisals are out of our awareness or on autopilot (i.e. like Groundhog Day). For example, these appraisals can be based on past experiences, memories, faulty thinking, beliefs and our current state.

And then these appraisals impact and influence how we read or see the present moment. At the basic level – these appraisals are pleasant, unpleasant or neutral.

It’s Not About the Nail – Reality or Perceptions of Reality?

In the practice of mindfulness we can become aware of this level of appraisal. In mindfulness, we are attending to this level of appraisal because it is important in life not to be driven by just our likes and dislikes. We want to be able to make more skilful decisions based on our values.

Over the years in my mindfulness practice, I have felt very much like both of the characters in the following clip – it’s not about the nail. For example, I have felt like the guy – trying too hard or to fix things as well as the girl, not seeing things clearly or trusting myself.

The Gift of Self-Awareness…

Throughout the many years (yes sorry, it’s not a ??? step process) of practice, reflection and unravelling of who I thought I was, I continue to see clearer and clearer. More and more, I have realised it is about creating the awareness around a situation and seeing it for what it is and accepting that unconditionally (without judgement or shame) – not how I would like it to be. Of course, it is also about being responsible and accountable for my part of the situation and being honest with myself around my feelings and emotions (i.e. my story). William Blake was quoted –

“If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.”

Yes, I know this is sometimes easier said than done, however it is important to honour and take care of yourself throughout this process.

If you would like to have a look at the science behind this – please see the following clip by Dr Bruce Lipton on The Power of Consciousness.

Over to You…

If you are ready to take yourself on the journey of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.