Which perspective of life do you choose?

Question

As there are as many angles, as there are individuals, to view anything by, I have found difficulty in deciding on which to choose. More to the point... I've given up trying to choose.

Now, that's not to say that it's difficult to choose. I mean, people choose all the time! Anytime you say something, you've mentally chosen an outlook; a perspective. (many time, though, it's not conscious).

Now, I do have a viewpoint, i have an outlook, but I'm plagued by the realization that there are countless other, just as valid viewpoints to see anything from. This, in 'general' terms, diminishes everything i could possibly say, in my eyes.

I mean... what could I possibly say that would have value in this mind-numbing, endless spectrum of perspectives?

Answer 1

All human points of view are equally flawed in that none can reflect reality as it is.

The best any human can ever hope to do is to honestly reflect his or her personal point of view to the best of their ability. This would include thoughts and feelings.

To those who might has points of view close enough, some communication will happen. This may alter another's point of view or provide new information or choices for them and/or you.

To those who's points of view are too different or difficult to grasp, there is no interaction What might take place is confusion at best or miscommunication and antagonism at worst.

Knowing this, the major choice is whether or not to speak or write to another human.

Keep in mind (conscious mind) that often the most productive communication is between your unconscious mind and another.

Answer 2

What you could say might just provide a key for someone to perceive something they otherwise would not. I am reminded of a Father Brown story where navigation was typically done near the coastline by lining up two beacon towers so that you only saw one. If you saw two, you'd change course until you only saw one. So why were all those ships going on the rocks? Because somebody lit another beacon so that they would still see two lights from an angle at which the other two were lined up.

Sometimes another person's perspective can actually save your life. Other times, it simply adds a richness to your own perception.

Answer 3

Paradoxically we are all here on R&S doing exactly that...soliciting, listening to, and offering a multitude of perspectives (viewpoints, outlooks, stances, beliefs, understandings, etc.). I, too, have felt a surge of infinite possibilities. The only thing I can say for sure is that in a given moment, in a particular context, I do make choices based on my best information up to that point. However, I also know that all is constantly changing or that my information is limited; therefore, my position or choice is likely to change also...to grow or expand or shift. I am comfortable with this because I am comfortable with knowing that all is in flux, including myself. I find that there is no struggle for me in making temporary choices since I am confident that the river will continue to flow and carry me forward to a new vista, and another, and another. I accept these changes and do not attach myself to their "rightness." Rather, they are like costumes donned for the current play, which will inevitably change. I find no conflict in other's opposing viewpoints or choices or costumes, knowing that they are playing a different role from my own. I have no need to compete for King of the Mountain...the biggest or strongest or most correct. Holographically, I am as valid from a particular position as is every other one from their position. We live life together in oneness, the parts constituting the whole. The important thing is to be conscious of the panoply of differences and accept and respect them. Forrest knows life is a box of chocolates that satisfies everyone's taste (creams, chews, nuts, nougats, toffees, etc.). What I don't like someone else inevitably will. Surely, there's something for everybody. I am heartened on R&S to taste the variety of perspectives; it is a sampler, if you will. I absorb some ideas, discard others, and consider the possiblities of yet others, looking into that box of chocolates with great interest. I suggest you relax into the flow of ideas, perspectives, choices and float along with a willing energy, enjoying the ride. It's better than drowning in them. Let the current guide you. I am Sirius

Answer 4

As they say in the software business, this is not a bug, this is a feature! You have an OPEN MIND! That's a Good Thing!

There is -always- more than one way to look at something, more than one way to think about it. Yes, it sometimes gets confusing, and sometimes you don't know if you've picked the right view. But on the other hand, you have a huge advantage in looking at something from several different perspectives before you decide what you think. And it's okay even to be -undecided- for a time, while you mull it over.

The confusion of multiple perspectives is sometimes called 'cognative dissonance'. Some people find it very unpleasant, so they seek out a world view where everything is already decided, every issue is pre-digested for them so they never need to consider alternatives. People who watch FOX News are like this. You can tell from watching that this network knows its audience doesn't want to hear both sides of an argument presented fairly and then to make up their own minds.

But people who accept these views are never really able to discuss the issue intelligently, often because they don't even really know the facts! You should -welcome- cognative dissonance. Nothing is really ever as simple as it seems. You should endeavor to get your own facts on issues you care about and do your own thinking. And then you should never consider any decision you make to be truly -final-. You should never let a political or religious leader dictate the 'correct' opinion--i.e. 'We are Christians so we believe -this- because that's what Christians believe'.

Answer 5

Be in the moment. Be real in each moment. Being happy? Be happy. Being angry? Be angry. Being philosophical? Be philosophical. It is moment by moment. I don't think one needs to choose an "angle" but rather to be sincere. The more we can choose to be our authentic self, a self that is true to ourselves if you will, then life will flow from there. I think that portraying spiritual perfection at all times is unrealistic. We all like to say how it is for each of us, in here on R and S, but I doubt that we are all floating around on our clouds of complete awareness and meditation all the time. I, for one, am a highly evolved and advanced soul, yet I do live in a body and I do get cranky sometimes! It happens to the best of us. What I'm saying is this: there is no one way to be. Be who you are, and be it in your own way. Compassion and forgiveness go a long way. Whatever you say contributes to the unfoldment, and perhaps even the enlightenment, of individuals you come into contact with. The thing to remember here is that we do not always get to have direct experience of the experiences of those we touch. You have to trust the universe and your path, with love. It is called faith (in the big picture).

Answer 6

I choose to "feel" into whatever is revealed or in front of me.
There is no mind, no egoic stance, more a breathing into the heart of space, where all is. There it is "felt" by the intelligence of the heart, rounded out maybe, pulled out maybe, whatever reveals itself.

Moment by moment truth "moves".
I read once where a "pupil" asked of the "teacher", "You say this", but previously you said that, I am confused, it seems like you are saying different things".
I understand this now, as in the moment - that is, in the next, it has moved.
It is much like looking at an artists art, or a writers writing, each succestive work moves from the previous in their "unfoldment".
I "learn" or "glean" much from what "comes out of my head", it is not that it is sitting there prior to "being needed", but "appears" when "required", and I noticed myself "as delighted as a schoolboy" to discover, that that was "my" "thinking".

Interesting question, I had to read others answers, to get the gist of what you were saying. I sometimes have difficulty with peoples syntax, as they are in it.

To convey truly of the heart of love in the moment, is the gift to self and other.

Great question.
Blessings be

Answer 7

You have hit on something profoundly important and your decision NOT to choose is obviously the only sane option.

We are socialized to "choose" a perspective or position, not only because many people - like the Fox News viewers referenced above - desperately want to believe nothing requires actual thought, but primarily because we are indoctrinated that BELIEVING something - having a rigid perspective - is exceedingly valuable.

It is this valuing of 'beliefs' in general that is lunacy. Beliefs are an obstacle not only to openminded thought, but to KNOWING anything for certain. It is humanity's conditioned valuing of beliefs as a substitute for knowledge, that makes us incapable of problem solving or seeking solutions. We're encouraged to believe we already know. We most often call it 'faith.'

Metaphysically, beliefs are even more catastrophic because reality mirrors these conditioned attitudes no matter how insane or subconsciously embedded. We only perceive what we already BELIEVE to be true.

The only rational choice is conscious awareness of the absurdity of 'believing' as opposed to seeking knowledge.

Stick to your guns!

Answer 8

CC, your perspective is just as important to YOU as everyone else's is to them. Our views of things are determined by our OWN minds and our own set of living conditions and although no two are the same, ALL are equally as valid except to ourselves. However, there MAY be a few out there who are truly interested in knowing YOUR views on things in addition to their own. As humans we are allowed to revise our outlooks and many of us make those revisions based on how others view the same things. Not sure if that makes sense to you but, it does to me.

Brightest Blessings,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 9

There's no such thing as souls. That guy needs to have some gay friends to fully understand that it's not a choice just like being hetero isn't a choice.

Answer 10

I choose to be happy T....I find that if I Observe things and experiences just as they are...carefully and attentively...then there's no real necessity for anything else...

Life is Life man....live well, be happy, be content, what else .. ? Make your family Happy..this will make you Happy too...but you already know this...//smiles//..

What you see in other's viewpoints is also valid...quite so...you're a nice guy....be happy that other's too are happy in their viewpoints....why not..?

It doesn't diminish your viewpoint and enhances your happiness and theirs too...a perfect score..//laughs//..

There are so many fine folk T...you're one of 'em...

Ease your MInd man...you doing fine....

A Buddhist....