Seeing Differenty — Cultivating Compassion and Empathy

We see, perceive, interpret, and shape reality through our mind. Our brains process an immense amount of sensory information every second. Yet, our perception isn’t a mere reflection of objective reality. It’s a filtered, subjective interpretation. Our beliefs, emotions, and past experiences color our perception, creating a unique lens through which we view the world. "How we see is what we see."

For example, when you look at a glass filled halfway with water do you perceive the glass as "half-empty" or "half-filled"? When you experience something, does your mind perceive the negatives of a situation or do you look for what is positive about what is occurring; or at least the potential for change? Do you seek to live a life filled with gratitude, or one filled with regret?

Can you see that the glass is actually "wholely-filled" with water and air? Do you recognize that we all have positive and negative traits? Do you only see what you perceive as the negative traits of yourself or others and ignore or refuse to consider yours or their positive traits?

What happens when you look at yourself in the mirror. Are you immediately self-critical of your appearance or your perceived deficiencies? Or do you see a person created in the image and likeness of God, who is unconditionally loved by a compassionate and forgiving God, who dwells within the core of our being, who is present and accompanies us throughout the journey we call life, and who continues to knock at the door of our heart, waiting for us to respond and surrender to God's invitation for a meaningful and loving relationship?

To "see" what is good sometimes requires us to first experience the absence of goodness. Sometimes darkness needs to be experienced before we can "see" the light penetrating through the darkness. Many times it requires faith and hope in the presence of God's eternal light of love and compassion that shines through the darkness of life's challenges, but only if we open the eyes of our hearts and souls to see.

Fortunately, our perceptions and thoughts do not have to remain static. We can change them through reframing our experiences and training our minds to see differently. We can paint the canvass of our minds with new and different images. When you notice negative thoughts seek to replace them with encouraging ones. Offer to yourself actionable suggestions for positive change rather than dwelling on your shortcomings. We can also learn from diverse experiences. We can read articles and books, view documentaries, and engage in genuine and respectful conversations with others from different backgrounds and experiences. Understanding can help forster compassion and empathy.

Treat yourself like you would treat a good friend. Imagine how you would respond if a close friend made a mistake. Would you not offer them understanding, encouragement, compassion, and support. Having compassion and empathy involves understanding someone else's experience without judgment. Validate their feelings by acknowledging that you understand why they may feel that way. Seek to reframe your mind to see other persons you encounter as God sees you? At the very least, seek to treat them as you would want them to treat you. Do likewise with yourself. When they or you stumble or fail, begin by replacing self-criticism with self-compassion. Replace the critical voice with an encouraging one. Offer actionable suggestions for positive change instead of dwelling on shortcomings.

Love and compassion are intrinsic to the human condition. It is through love and compassion that we connect, care for, and take action in response to the needs of others. Start with having love and compassion for yourself. Then extend it to your families and those you love, expanding your circle to include those you don't know and even to those you don't like. Love and compassion know no boundaries.

Seeing differently is not about changing our eyesight. It is about changing our perspective. When we cultivate love, compassion, and empathy, we become catalysts for positive change.

Remember, we are not alone. The Spirit is within each of us. Open your heart and soul to allow the Spirit to help you to "see" and transform your life.