Perception is reality
Our perception determines how we [view, understand and experience] reality.
We interpret the world around us through various lenses. Our upbringing, values, culture, race, nationality, age, religion and many other factors that combine to determine how we see ourselves and understand the world around us.
Self-awareness is the first step to freedom
Becoming aware of our perception and hidden biases is a continual process of self-examination. It is hard as it requires humility and the willingness to admit that you could be ‘looking’ at things through the wrong lens. But it is a necessary step if we want to grow and mature.
How we perceive and see our pain and suffering will determine how we respond to the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in along our journey.
Acceptance
Being able to accept pain and suffering as part of our universal human condition is the key to moving forward when we have done everything humanly possible.
Acceptance can keep us sane even when we do not understand all the reasons why this event has happened. This attitude gives us the freedom to CHOOSE how we respond to the situation we find ourselves.
The Serenity Prayer by theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr captures this balance between grace, courage and wisdom that we need as we travel through life.
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
Exodus 