It is all too often that we find ourselves swept up in the chaos of our lives, mindlessly carrying out our daily routines, carefully solving sensitive situations and thoughtfully planning our futures. It is too easy to forget the real world when our own universe demands every second of our attention.
The real world, for the purpose of this topic, is made up of three perspectives. “My perspective” (my world), “your perspective” (your world) and “our perspective” (the world that belongs to us collectively).
“My perspective” is fairly simple to explain. It is how one sees the world based on their lives, their experiences and their senses. “Your perspective” is how another person sees the world based on their lives, experiences and senses. They may have similar problems that arise in “my perspective,” but it will affect them differently due to their own life experiences. Another difference between the two is that there can be independent situations. For example, say if one bought a dog, your life would change to accommodate your new addition. Your friend however, is allergic to dogs. They would therefore never experience being a pet owner. Finally the last difference between these two perspectives is interaction. To use the dog example again, let’s say the dog dies. In “my perspective” you directly are affected. In “your perspective” your friend is affected by the death, but not in the same way you are. Your friend can be there for you, but they can never truly know how the loss has affected you. This experience affects both perspectives differently.
The last perspective is “our perspective.” This outlook is based upon all perspectives of the physical world. It is reality. With all perspectives taking in the same event or experience, it is easy to eliminate personal perspective to get the facts.
Knowing these perspectives, it becomes important to use this awareness to be mindful of others. Basically, this means being aware of the lives of friends and family. This is not to say to impose yourself in their lives. This is to say to be aware. Recognize that your life is not the only one currently happening in this world. “My perspective” is not the most important perspective, although to oneself it feels as such. While you may be sitting on the couch bored as ever on a Friday night, a family member could be receiving grave news. While you are out buying groceries, a friend could be trying to just get out of the house to combat their anxiety. We have no idea just what trials and tribulations our close family members and friends go through since we live in our own world. In addition, the same problems they go through may affect us differently. We can only look into their lives in the same way we look at the lives of wild animals; from a distance. What greatly helps, however, is what we decide to do about it. You do not have to be sensitive about their lives, but you should be respectful. Reach out to them. Make “my perspective” and “your perspective” interact more to gain a better understanding of each other. Push those limits a little. What makes this world a better place is when we have more compassionate people reaching out. Even if it is only a small gesture on your part, it could mean the world in someone else’s mind.
When our lives become the master, we succumb to the daily dredges and routines. We shut out the world around us, as well as the people around us to focus on our own minds. It is healthy to be aware of the world around you, and it is even better to care for the people who care about you. It may even help clean our own perspective.
