Perspectives: We See From Where We Stand

Mysteries... movies... television shows... car crashes... stories we tell ourselves and others.  All of these have something in common: perspective.

Think of the clues revealed in a mystery novel: we may be led along to understand the events in a particular way; we may eventually put the pieces together in a way that reveals the underlying crime or mystery.  The same is true with movies and television shows: a well-produced show entertains by drawing us in and leading us along to a conclusion.

And, if you have ever been involved in a car crash, it is interesting to listen to the bystanders and hear what they saw.  Usually, each has a different perspective... depending on where they were standing or what they were focusing on.

Perspectives:  where do you stand on any topic?
Click on comic to enlarge
(Photo credit:  Blondie, created by Dean Young and John Marshall, January 23, 2019)

Dagwood's comment in this cartoon strip is insightful:  how we see a specific event or story does depend on which side of the door we are standing!  And if we are honest with ourselves, our beliefs, the meanings we attach to events, and the the stories we tell ourselves and others are experienced through the filters of our upbringing, our culture, our education, and a myriad of other factors.  Each of us is unique, and thus, our individual perspectives are valid.

Perspective:  do you hold onto the Old as you create the New?

Changing focus a little, let us consider the resurgence occurring in many cities:  older buildings are being replaced by newer and larger edifices.  To preserve the charm and character of the area, some developers retain the outer walls -- the facade.  The new building rises from the core of the older building. It would be confusing to say that the new building is the same as the old building.  From outside it looks the same, but inside we encounter a different reality.

Returning to the idea of unique perspectives, a dilemma arises in our relationships when any of us concludes that our way of seeing and experiencing life is the only way.  The perspectives may be valid, but the conclusion that one perspective is the only one is a false conclusion.

What do we do when a perspective, filter or facade is strongly held without a willingness to see what is on the other side of the door?  Do we stay inside, holding onto that perspective?  Do we move outside to gain new understanding?

Perspective:  how might we see the depth of the Whole?

Like Blondie or Dagwood, we are invited to walk through the door to gain new aspects of the truth:

• What is the other person seeing or experiencing?
• What clues have I missed when holding onto my way of being?
• How might I see more clearly or deeply the issue or event that is facing us?

May this week allow us opportunities to move beyond perspectives that shutdown communication.  May we experience moments of depth when we seek understanding by walking through the doors that filter us.  May we move towards the Whole.

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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