Shift Perspective, Build Empathy.
“Where is their commonality, what brought them to this understanding, and why do different views exist? ”
There is the thing, and then there is the allusion to a thing. From a photographic perspective, I often wonder which is more beautiful. Is the mountain's reflection in the washboard surface of the lake more stunning than the sunlight ricocheting off the peaks? I think this comes down to our frame of mind or our perception of beauty at the time.
If we view the image above literally, it is merely a shadow of a gaunt tree in Canada's boreal forest. Alone this may be a tantalizing scene for some; however, most would walk by such an unassuming subject amongst millions of nearly identical others. Slightly adjusting our perspective can help us find a way to perceive such monotony through a lens of allure. I try this technique whenever I have my camera in hand. This focal point shift becomes challenging when it pertains to our understanding of the world.
Are there world events portrayed literally or merely a shadow or reflection of the real thing? Are we living with integrity, genuineness, and honesty, or are we only signalling to them while avoiding the deep work? Are there ways to view reality while seeing beauty in what is not literal? All these questions feel pertinent to our western culture at this time. I encourage you to look at what you believe to be good, true, and beautiful and compare it to others' shifted perspectives of the same reality. Where is their commonality, what brought them to this understanding, and why do different views exist? I hope we all move closer to authentic empathy or even love for those we think to be our enemies by this practice.
