This week I’ve been paying attention to what I see…and what I want to see.
I’ve come to realize that I often choose to see what I want to see in order to prove myself right. (This is obviously a major ego-tactic, and one that many of us fall into without realizing it.) For example, if I’ve decided that I’m not eating as well as I should, I’m likely to notice and remember all the times that I snacked on sweets or chose more bread over more vegetables. I won’t necessarily recall the smoothie my daughter made for me or the big salad I had for dinner. Instead I’ll collect the evidence I need to prove my theory that I’m not eating as healthfully as I should — and conveniently leave out data that shows any improvement on my part. (Side note: this is why a trusted friend or partner is helpful since we can’t always trust our recollections, especially if we’re also dealing with guilt or fear.)
In these and other situations, subconsciously I’d rather be right than happy. I’d rather prove my own theory about my behavior or other people’s behavior or the state of the Union or whatever I'm worried about. Any one of us will seek out corroborating evidence, to the point of actually passing over anything that proves us wrong! Left to our own, we’re more likely to see what proves us right than to see what’s real.
This is such good news! By choosing what I want to see, I open my eyes — and the doors of my perception -- to all the Good that Life has to offer. My Good been there all along, patiently waiting for me to adjust my perception and perspective, and welcome it all in.