Where do you have your eyes? Are you looking forward? Or are you turning around and looking at where you’ve been? Or are you looking inward at something very personal? Or are you looking at nothing in particular? Perspective is extremely personal. No one can have precisely the same perspective as the next person because they haven’t had the same experiences… even if that person is part of your immediate family. Perspective? One of the definitions that Webster uses is: ‘the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed’. Which means???
Simply, in my world of definitions, perspective is the method people use to understand, order, relate, etc. experiences, attitudes, etc. in their world. Not really sure how helpful my definition is. However, the point is that we all have our own. And it is useful for us especially in times of apparent contradictions. Our perspective gives us the means to control our situations, it gives us meaning. Back to my initial question – where do you have your eyes? Granted your perspective may be totally different from mine but do we have a way of accommodating both?
In terms of just you in your world, are you looking backwards? Rearview mirror looking is helpful in looking at where you’ve been. This can give you valuable information about how far you’ve come. It is important. But while a look is good, even valuable, it’s not what you need to focus on. If you do then you could miss the next turn (opportunity) or obstacle (threat) and not be headed in the direction you intend to pursue. But most important, do you understand your own perspective?
Perspective, our frame of reference is what guides us in our understanding. This is why it is so important to know our own perspective. Without that understanding we have no guide, no order, no way to effectively interact in our world. That’s why looking back in your rearview mirror provides you information. Our problem is to not live in our past (good and bad). We need to use it as our basis for growing and progressing. Then again… growing and progressing depends on your perspective.
… but, what do you think?
