Happiness and Perspective
Every thought provides only one perspective of reality. Sometimes we overfocus on one thought and assume that the thought represents all of the reality of our subject.
Imagine looking at a bright jewel. From one perspective, the jewel looks one way, and from another perspective the jewel looks different. Individual thoughts provide information from one perspective on reality. Interestingly, the opposite thought is also true, and sometimes more true.
The opposite of any initial thought is simply another perspective. One cannot truly know any fact of reality without exploring all of a fact’s perspectives, many of which will contradict one another. Such is the nature of thought and reality.
Often it is not the reality of a problem that concerns us, it is our thoughts about that reality which are the problem.
So the next time you see a person or situation as evil or horrible, remember that the opposite thought (e.g., that the person or event is benevolent or wonderful) is also probably true, maybe even more true. Every person on earth is capable of acting within the whole range of human behavior, from cruel to benevolent.
These ideas mirror Bryon Katie’s thoughts about turnarounds. Katie often asks people to see how a turnaround is as true or more true than the original thought.
Overall, these ideas suggest that we should not take our thinking too seriously. We should catch ourselves believing too ardently any singe thought, and remember to seek out alternate perspectives.
