Ever wonder how to shift your perspective?
It’s not rocket science as you’re about to discover.
Look at this image.
What do you see?
How does it make you feel?
What sounds come to mind, if any?
What’s the story you’re already making up about the image?
Truth is, it’s a photo my husband took of a sculpture in downtown Vancouver recently. I’m pretty sure I’ve walked by it numerous times and yet . . .
When I saw the image I had no idea where it was or even what it was.
The perspective was so shockingly different that it had my mind go blank.
Now think about your life.
How often does this happen, affecting your,
- behaviour
- relationships
- communication?
How often do you find yourself creating a drama worthy of the afternoon soaps?
I’m not really that surprised. It’s part of this skin-bag called human being!
But what if your curiousity opened the door to new perspectives?
And what if a shift in your perspective made all the difference?
Well it can.
Here’s how:
To understand an event fully, you need to consider various perspectives. One perspective creates one dimension and is true only from that one angle, giving you an incomplete picture of the whole.
Instead, imagine this same event from five different perspectives:
1st position – Look at the event through your own eyes.
2nd position – Look through the eyes of someone important to you; perhaps someone you respect or admire. Step into their point of view and look at yourself or the event through their eyes.
3rd position – Look from a ‘camera lens’ or ‘fly on the wall’ position, looking from the outside in.
4th position – Look from a ‘meta-position’ (imagine being above it all), taking in the situation through the flow of time.
5th position – Look from the ‘we’ position, considering the experience of all from the inside out.
To create a lasting shift for yourself, it’s useful to play with at least three of these perspectives, including what you see, hear and feel in each.
Over to you:
- Think of a recent event that brought up an undesired reaction.
- See it through at least three of the above perspectives.
- Notice what shifts in your thinking, emotional state and/or physical body.
Take another look at the photo above. What do you now see?
Wow, Sandi! I can’t even tell you how much I love this strategy – so simple, and yet the outcome can be so powerful! I was just sharing this with my husband as we took our dog for a walk – we both agreed that we really like the “meta-position/flow of time” perspective. I started reflecting on these perspectives in relation to a recent incident with my step-dad, and it’s definitely helpful.
For about the past year, I have been applying the question, “how else can I perceive this?” to challenging situations that come up, and it’s been very helpful as well. However, I really like the specificness (made up word?) of each perspective suggested. I will definitely be adding this technique to my “toolbox.” 🙂
Awesome Adrienne! The one that I use the most is 2nd position. I’ll think of a specific person and explore through their eyes. Never fails to have me see something new!
This photo is FANTASTIC. And Sandi, you’ve tied in some wonderful stuff about perspective, perception and shifts. Nice job!