We never see the world the way it actually is...
But that’s not how it is, how it happened… Did you know that most of time humans don’t remember a past incident exactly as it was? And even present situations we often don’t see as they are? Our present and our memories are often tainted with the view of our emotions, subconscious patterns, and our personality.
I find it fascinating. It’s something spirituality talks about a lot. And in psychotherapy and in neuroscience. I love when the science matches up perfectly with what people have known for thousands of years. Right View (samyak-dṛṣṭi) is the first teaching in the 8 Fold Path of Lord Buddha, a kind of manual for us that aren’t enlightened yet to get some amazing insight of how we can live like an enlightened person. In fact this “right view” is the first lesson in most spiritual texts, working through the ‘maya’ that often makes us feel small, disconnected and disempowered.
This obstruction of our view from ‘what is’ can be a huge part of our suffering in life. A great example is our self limiting beliefs. We can have so much going for us. We’re each amazing talented human beings. But then our self limiting beliefs taint situations. ”Was I good enough?” sometimes spoiling an incredible performance or share. Focusing on what we don’t have, rather than what is right in front of us. Replaying past memories that are seemingly skewed in a way confirm to the ego that our self limiting beliefs are valid - that this person doesn’t like me, that no one has ever valued me, that another person hurt me. The list goes on…
What’s interesting is how many layers of this we have to work though. Anyone on the ‘spiritual or self development path’ will know this. That is why having a toolkit is essential. So you can check in with yourself regularly and working with a mentor can be great. To see where one of your blindspots is coming up again, and having tools to work through them.
Although you may have ‘heard this before’, this lesson samyak-dṛṣṭi is one that I come back to pretty much everyday (along with the other lessons in the 8 Fold Path). It’s one of many toolkits that I keep close and have used a lot in the past days myself and with clients.
As we move into an age where mental and spiritual wellness is coming from stage, it’s time to really embody these practices. The mind learns in seconds, but it takes time to truly embody what we’ve read.
If you’d like to have me as a mentor and open up years of experience, ask you the right questions, and help you create an amazing toolkit for your own growth then check out my mentoring page to set up a call and see if we vibe before creating a bespoke plan for you!
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