All you have learned in your life, in this book, from your friends, is perception and decision.
The concept of decision is pretty straightforward. As you know, you make all of your decisions. Maybe you do not have the choices you prefer, but nevertheless, you still make all of your decisions, many times without even knowing why, how or where.
The concept of perception is yet another area. It is not so easy to perceive as it is, by many, clouded by the belief that what one sees is 100% real. As you are beginning to see, what you see is not always so real, but ‘colorations’ of what appear to be.
All people, whether made of blood or stuffing, have perceptions. We “see” things in ways that we expect to see them. If we think “Disneyland is going to be fun,” most likely, it will be. If we think “this water is unhealthy,” it will probably turn out that way — not necessarily because it is, but because we believe it is.
An example pointed out to me by a friend was of this:
A police officer has a duty to uphold the laws of the land. The intent is to help others. This thinking is very admirable to many. Sadly, many times, because of perception, one may tend to see more of what is ‘wrong’ in society, thereby losing track of the original intent. Pretty soon, it turns into ‘going after the bad guy’ as the priority of the job, not helping others. Soon after that realization, because one is seeing only the ‘bad element’ of society, the entire society turns out to be the ‘bad element’, or “us against them” thinking. What has changed? Perception. Nothing else has changed. Basic society, unless there has been a major emotional event, does not change rapidly at all.
However, we do a good job of telling ourselves that it does, due to our PERCEPTION of that society. Put very simply, if you are expecting to find ‘bad,' you will find ‘bad.’ If you expect to find ‘good,’ you will most likely find ‘good.’ It is, like much of life, an issue of pattern or ‘habit.’ It takes time to change that pattern, if one wishes to change that perception. If one does not wish to change the perception, that, too, is fine. Is it a smoggy sunset or is it a sunset with more reds and oranges, possibly of beauty, even given the levels of smog in the air?
One thing to remember. Whatever decision of what perception you wish to take, there is cause and effect — consequences to your perception, if you wish. Your consequences may be pleasant, or they may be harsh, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and even maybe physically. They may have unexpected results, which could change your entire life. Like what has happened with you.
Now, it is time for you to go meet with your fellow travelers. Sleep well after you finish your dinner. You are going to feel you need it, for you have learned, and will continue to learn, much.
Sometimes, learning can be tiring.