“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” -Albert Einstein
You know they say, “perspective is everything,” but that depends on how you look at it all. There is great power in perspective.
Shifting our perspective not on,y changes the way we think, it can also change the way we feel and act. Having the ability to recognize, shift and change our vantage point gives us a liberating amount of control over the way we react to situations. Understanding and being able to access our perspective opens us up to more possibilities in all situations and therefore more possibility in life.
Have perspectives give us choices. When we realize different perspectives we are able to see more clearly, and have more compassion, be more understanding, and enjoy more freedom which allows us to communicate better. We have more control over our choices and actions, which usually leads to being more appreciative, positive.
Any one is capable of shifting their perspective to be aware of increased possibilities. While it can take some practice the more you do it the easier and more comfortable it becomes, until it’s a habit.
So, how do we begin to harness a new perspective on life? Here’s a few things I’ve learned in my journey through life and changing my perspective.
- Notice Yourself
Awareness and mindfulness are absolutely key in being able to recognize and shift your perspective. The first step is to begin to notice where you are now. What are you doing, how are you feeling and what exactly are you thinking? It’s pretty difficult to change your mindset if you aren’t really even aware that you have one. Start being mindful about what you are thinking and the way in which you are looking at things. Once you know what/how you are thinking and can see your current perspective then you can start opening up to new and different ones.
- Take Control
You have the power to change your own mind. Your thoughts are 100% completely up to you. While things happen outside of you that you may have a reaction to and your past history creates patterns and habits which influence the way you react to things, but bottom line is you are still the one making the choices about what to think. Remind yourself, often that it is your call. You have the ability to make your own choices. It may be challenging at first, but the more you own this truth the easier it will become to recognize that what you decide to think it up to you, and not dictated by any other person or circumstance.
- See The Bigger Picture
Look around you. Try to connect to everything around you. Pull back from whatever you may be focusing on so intently and recognize it all -all the sights, the sounds, the feelings, every detail. There is so much to consider. Broadening your vision will help you see things you may have not noticed. Imagine yourself as a wide angle lens and literally zooming out. What would you see in the periphery of your vision? What else weren’t you seeing before? What else might you know to be there that you can’t see with your eyes? There is always more.
- Be Open
It’s very hard to see new perspectives if you aren’t open. When we’re rigid and stuck in our ways, we have a much harder time seeing the possibilities and we aren’t even looking for them either.
There will always be people or situations in our life, that we can’t see a difference point of view, and it’s usually because of our beliefs and value systems. But, when we soften some of our strict expectations about how things should be our perspectives change.
- Recognize The Opposite
A really quick way to see another perspective is to recognize the opposite of what ever you are seeing, thinking, or experiencing. There is a duality in everything. The more that we can remember both sides of the coin, the more access we have to a greater perspective.
For example, instead of focusing on why your pay check never made it to the bank, and getting angry about it. Shift your perspective to why did it happen work on finding out the why before you get hot with anger. Instead of blaming, choose to find out why it happened, and do what you need to do to fix the situation. Becoming aware of the opposite of the thought or situation will help you access a different perspective.
- Let Go Of Judgement
Sometimes it’s hard to embrace a new perspective because we’ve gotten in the habit of allowing our judgments to control us. Judgment is a valid practice when we are forming opinions based on previous experiences but when allow judgment to take the wheel, we are letting go of a lot of control and opportunity. The problem with judgements is that they often result in instant decision without paying attention to the whole picture of what is actually happening in a particular instance. Most judgements are formed by past experiences or future fears. Be discerning, but let go of the judgment. Judgement only gets in the way of being able to consider other prospectives. When we are able to get curious and exploratory, then we allow new discoveries to present themselves.
Letting go of our opinions doesn’t mean we might not decide in the end to make a decision based on previous experience, but it gives us the freedom to see different angles and make even find better ones.
- Connect With Compassion
Compassion can be hard to come by these days. But by thinking of others and caring about what they might be experiencing an shift our perspective and infuses it with love and consideration. Compassion reminds us to consider what others are going through and helps us remember everyone has a right to prosper. It pulls us back to see the bigger picture of everyone involved and aligns us with our core values.
- Use Your Imagination
Usining your imagination is an amazing way to remember perspective. When we use our imagination, we are more open to the infinite possibilities around us. In fact, we are masters at dreaming up new ways of thinking and being. When you find yourself in a situation where you might feel you might need a perspective change, tap into your imagination and get creative and open to the possibilities.
Shifting your perspective is a skill and all skills require practice. I have found an excellent way to practice shifting your perspective is to find ways to clear your mind, using mindfulness techniques or meditation, i find I can think more clearly after reading God’s Word. Basically anything that quiet your mind and allows you to think more clearly and get in tune with you’re authentic selves.
When we can see into our own mind, we have the ability to recognize our thoughts and perspectives. We can connect to our intuition, and our own wisdom which changes our perspective.
From Pity to Praise 