Pristine Perceptions

"Kafka believed that we look at life through a narrow keyhole

of our personal existence and in order to distinguish between 

appearance and reality, we 'must keep the keyhole clean.'" 

BRAINPICKINGS

Psychological studies show people in an unfamiliar environment will frequently discover a stranger who looks exactly like a friend, doctor or movie star.  When visiting a restaurant for the first time, the diners may mention it reminds them exactly of a different restaurant they had visited a year ago.   The study suggests people do this to make themselves more comfortable in their present situation. 

Unfortunately, this works in reverse as well.  We may be introduced to a perfectly fine young fellow, but he reminds us of an individual who had threatened our safety.  Immediately our guard is put up as our memory is triggering fear.  On a picnic we become nauseated when we are offered potato salad which flashes us back to an incident with food poisoning.  Our sensitivities and thoughts automatically react as they are sifted through our personal filters.

As we create a picture in our mind's eye, we need to first clean and then adjust our lens. Take notice of any light or darkness that could distort our view.  Our past experiences are vital, but our ability to see things with fresh eyes increases our ability to engage with pristine perceptions.