Page 70 - Pearls of Perception (eBook)

When you find yourself in a social environment, no matter the case,
you will always encounter contrasting perspectives and behaviors, as
every one of us has a completely unique way of being. This is perfect-
ly fine, there isn't anything wrong with that. In fact, we can both
agree that this is one of the best things about life and one of the
main contributors to its breathtaking beauty.

Although this is true, the mind still can and does take things way
more seriously. It can perceive threats where there aren't any, as
part of a profoundly primitive behavior. A way of better understand-
ing this, is seeing this as a defense mechanism, always alert, always
watchful. Basically, a mechanism designed to protect and ensure
evolution. This might have been very helpful in dealing with threats
thousands of years ago, but from the perspective of present times, it
has become a rather great impediment to conducting our day to day
lives. It is as if we live in a constant alert mode, a mode that drains
our resources and keeps our peacefulness locked in dreams of exotic
islands and cocktail drinks. The question is, is this constant alertness
really necessary?

Let's take a look around, we live in one of the most peaceful times in
humankind history. The majority of us no longer have to deal with
wild animals, hunt for food or find shelter. Most of us have homes,
personal rooms, heated and well secured. Our work became more
and more dependent on brain activities and less on muscles and
strength. Our lifestyle has changed and so did the way we relate to
life and its circumstances. Everything seems to have changed but this
one thing. The mind's tendency to control and secure. And when we
see life only through the lenses of mind, we miss a whole lot. I would
even say we miss everything that truly matters in life. And that is the