We all experience the world through our own unique lens—a lens shaped by our past experiences, beliefs, and emotions. This lens creates what Richard Carlson refers to as “separate realities.” In essence, your perception of reality may not be the same as someone else’s, and that’s perfectly okay.
We often get caught up in thinking that our perception of the world is the absolute truth, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, our minds are constantly filtering information, and sometimes we get stuck in thought patterns that reinforce anxiety, fear, or negativity. This can distort our sense of reality, especially when we are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
So how can we shift this?
Here are a few actionable steps to help you start seeing life through a clearer, more peaceful lens:
1. Recognize that your thoughts create your reality.
When you feel anxious, it’s not the world causing it; it’s your thoughts about the world. Recognizing this is a huge step toward taking control of your emotions. Anxiety isn’t an external force; it’s an internal experience based on how we interpret the world.
2. Challenge the stories you tell yourself.
Often, our anxiety stems from the stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years—stories about what might happen, what could go wrong, or how things are out of our control. Start questioning these stories. Are they true? Are they based on facts or assumptions? When you can identify these stories, you can begin to rewrite them in a way that empowers you.
3. Shift your focus to the present moment.
Anxiety tends to thrive when we focus on the past or the future. It’s easy to get lost in “what if” thinking. However, the present moment is the only time we can control. Practice grounding yourself in the present by using your senses to bring yourself back to the present moment. This is call reorienting. Noticing your surroundings. What do you see, hear, smell, feel, in this moment.
4. Embrace the impermanence of thoughts and feelings.
Remember that everything is temporary. Just as you might experience a fleeting moment of happiness, anxiety and negative thoughts are also temporary. By reminding yourself that these feelings will pass, you take away some of their power over you.
When you start to recognize that your reality is shaped by your thoughts—and that you can change those thoughts—you open up a whole new way of experiencing life. This shift doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent practice, it becomes easier to see the world in a more peaceful, grounded way.
I encourage you to spend some time today reflecting on how you’re interpreting the world around you. Are there areas where your perception might be limiting you? Can you shift your focus to something more positive and empowering?
You deserve to feel at peace, and it starts with how you see the world.
