Change Your Perceptions, Change Your Life

One thing I am beginning to realise is that perception drives everything in life. I am beginning to realise that all my negative states are the results of perception, or judgement of what is taking place in my life. Essentially it is all according to story, or the ego. Most of the perceptions we make are based on ego, our stories of what has happened in the past.

This realisation has come due to an effort on my part to be more aware and conscious of what is taking place in my life. It is apparent that life is just perception; it is the observer perceiving the observed. We as human beings are both the observer and the observed of what we experience. Accordingly all of life is feedback of us, allowing us to see where we are at, ultimately giving us never ending opportunities to change, grow and essentially progress. In reality the universe and life is organised to cater to our progress, it is designed to lead us upward and forward towards realising our full potential.

I have had opportunities this week to descend into old, repetitive negative states but I have chosen not too. And how did I get to that point of choice? First I was aware and secondly I changed my perception. If I was not aware, fully conscious, I would not have been able to change my perception. Why? Because I would have been consumed in the perception, the perception and I would have been one, not separate. Only by being conscious can you separate yourself from the perception you are making. This is why agency or the ability to choose is essential in the grand scheme of things. Everything in our lives is designed to move us closer to choice, whether we see it that way or not.

How many people can actually say they are conscious in their lives? How many people are actually aware of the perceptions they are making when they make them? How many people can separate their perception from themselves? The truth is most people run on auto pilot for the majority of their lives, totally unaware of the perceptions they are making on a moment by moment basis. Generally the ones that say they are the most conscious are the ones who are the most unconscious. People that are truly conscious do not need to make such assertions as they operate from a state of awareness, fully aware of their inner and outer conditions.

In my own life, most of my negative states in the past are the results of self-judgement, the perception of some action I have or haven’t performed according to some expectation. Normally the expectation is according to our story, what has happened in the past or what we have seen others do in the past. Because we have seen a certain action performed in such a way we expect ourselves to do it the same way or even better. We pick up these expectations throughout our lives, and then compare ourselves to them as we go about day to day lives. Then when we don’t live up to these expectations, we get upset to the point of beating ourselves up both within and without. Do you see the futility in this?

First of all, the expectation has been formed from a perception, a perception based on our story at that point in time. Essentially it is now a perception of a perception. With each layer of perception we get further and further from reality, how things really are. You see there are two sides to every experience, what really happens and our perception of what happens. In NLP this is described by the phrase, “the map is not the territory”, meaning that we do not experience the actual territory, we experience the territory only according to the map we are using. Our map is our perceptions, these perceptions work according to our filters. The filters are beliefs, values, memory, language etc. based mainly off the past.

If left on auto pilot then this becomes a vicious cycle of perception creating perception creating perception. A person then becomes at effect of their reality, as from their unconscious perspective everything in life outside of them is just “happening” to them. Being unconscious, on autopilot, is the basis of the victim mentality. The victim mentality is manifested by those who believe life isn’t fair and that life just happens to them being outside of their control. This again is all according to perception. The map has become the territory to these people, they believe what they experience is what is actually happening. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The reality is we experience life as we are, not as it really is. We experience the territory, what really is, only according to our maps, which are our filters and the ego. The ego and the filters work hand in hand feeding off each other in a repetitive cycle. This is what is referred to as the story. Our story is what has happened to us in the past. It is the “I’m not good at dancing because when I was 10 I tripped up during dance practice at school”. It is the “No one likes me because I am fat and people tease me”. It is the “The world is an evil place because of all the wars, rapes and murders that I see on the news.” It is the “I don’t believe in marriage because all my friends are divorced and are bitter as a result.”

This is all “story” and is based on perception. Every single person is influenced by their own “story”; this is why we don’t see life as it really is; we only see things according to our “story”, our perceptions based off the past. Most people do not live in the moment, they live unconsciously in the past; letting the past dictate what they experience. This is why people repeat the same experiences over and over again. This is the meaning of the map is not the territory, but unfortunately most people live their lives believing the map is the territory. They don’t realise their entire life is created by and based on perception. It is all perception; it is all the way we experience the territory via our individual map.

It is only possible to see the map for what it is when you are aware, when you are operating outside of your “story”. When you are aware and in the moment, you are not operating according to your filters and ego. Being aware allows you to see the perceptions you are making, and gives you the ‘choice’ to change that perception if you so choose. By changing your perception you change the territory as you are using a different map. Change the map and you change the territory. The truth is you are the map and the territory; you use your own map to create your own territory. If people really understood this then most of the so called problems on the planet would disappear almost instantly.

So the question is when will you choose to be aware? When will you choose to be conscious of your perceptions? When will you choose to use a different map to see the territory for what it really is? The choice really is yours, no one else can make it for you, no one else can perceive for you. You make your own perceptions, and your life is a result of those perceptions. Change your perceptions and you change your life. In order to change your perceptions you need to be conscious, be aware of your thoughts and emotions and what is going on inside of you. To remain on autopilot is to remain trapped in the perception. Only by being conscious can you separate yourself from your perception. You are in control of your life; you are your map. Change the map, change the territory; change your perception, change your life.

How Precious We Each Are

This past week has led me to some great reflection on what is important in life and how precious each one of us is as human beings. Someone that I knew and regarded highly passed away exactly 7 days ago to the day. This young man was only 19 years old at his passing through the veil and it came as a shock to everyone that knew him.

This young man along with his immediate family belongs to the same faith as I do, that being The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With our faith comes the knowledge that death is not the end of life but merely a transition from one phase of life to another.

Even so it difficult to say a temporary goodbye to someone you know. I can only imagine the feelings of his closest relatives. Nevertheless it was the means of this friend’s death that caused me and most everyone else to feel the way we did. Unfortunately he took his own life for reasons that are only known to him and God at this time. It was this circumstance that provided the feelings of sadness in our hearts and streams of tears to our eyes.

As I was standing near his grave this morning for his burial I was pondering over his life and who he is as a son of the Living God. I wondered how his exiting this phase of life would affect his eternal destiny. No mortal among us can judge or know for sure, that is up to our Heavenly Father and those assigned for such tasks. But nevertheless it was these thoughts that plagued my mind during his burial service.

What if I was to exit this life ten minutes from now? What if I left this world tomorrow, or the next day? What words have I left unspoken? What feelings have I not conveyed to those I love? Who might I have been able to touch during my life if I tried a bit harder? Would I be sufficiently prepared to meet my God if I were to leave this earthly abode today, tomorrow or the next day? Have I dealt justly and fairly with others during my mortal stay here? What would I be remembered for? Would people speak kind words of me at my own funeral?

These questions and more have fluttered through my mind space over the past week since this good man has left our physical presence. Even with all these questions going through my mind, there was one thought in particular that really impressed me and lured me into further reflection. It was the thought of ‘How Precious We Each Are’. As I pondered upon this single profound thought I began to be inspired by something grander that had its source outside me. I was blessed with an experience immensely greater and nobler than anything I could ever conceive of my own accord.

I was impressed within myself that each one of us is truly magnificent in and of ourselves. Even though this young man had taken his life, it didn’t detract from the fact that he was and still is as precious in the eyes of God as any other human being on this planet. At this very moment I have a burning desire to be of greater service to my fellow human beings. It is up to me now to make sure that I continue to fuel this fire with my own righteous thoughts and actions throughout my day to day life.

How easy it is to get distracted from what is really important in life. In reality our relationships with others is all we really have. Humans receive life through other human’s. At times we think the computer gives us life; or we get confused and think a car is the source of our life; or maybe it is money that has blinded you at times in your life. Whatever the counterfeit, the effect is the same. It detracts our attention from those things that really have life in life.

Behind every computer is a person that has either made it or put the information on it; it is a human being that makes the car and drives the car; and the same goes for money as it is people like you and I that print and use money on a day to day basis. Behind every THING in your life is a person, a living breathing human being like yourself. The source of all life in life is human life. We are it. You are it. You’re an individual, but part of a greater whole. While we may seem separate, we are each interconnected in a very real way.

I sincerely hope that I can take this experience and let it have a positive impact on my life and my being. I owe it to my brother who has just recently gone before me and all those other ‘precious’ and wonderful people that live on this planet. My desires are that each one of us might also open our eyes and hearts to the undeniable truth of who we really are. You are precious. I am precious. And all of life is precious. 

Living Life In The Flow

I have been contemplating recently how sometimes in life we seem to be "in the flow" and everything just happens naturally and effortlessly. It is in these times that we are most happy and it almost takes no effort on our part as things just seem to fall in place like slipping our feet into a sock. Now here is the conundrum, how do we get into this "flow of life" more often?

It seems to me that life is most natural when we are in this flow. What do I mean by "living in the flow"? I am referring to those times in life when there seems to be no resistance, where each new block is placed before us and we intuitively know where to place it. It is in those tranquil phases of life where we don't seem to put in any particular effort, but yet everything falls into place. It is during these times that we feel the true peace and joy that life has to offer.

Yes it is true that for some of us these times can be fleeting and short lived. But I'm pretty confident that each of us has had at least glimpse of this "living in the flow" at some point in life. Admittedly some of us experience this more frequently than others, and it is here that I wish to direct my attention. Is it possible for a person, any person, to intentionally create more of these "in the flow" moments in life?

From my own experiences and intuition I would answer strongly in the affirmative. I firmly believe that it is possible for each of us to experience and get in touch with this phenomena known as the "flow of life". From what I have come to know, this "flow of life" is none other than the will of God. When we are living in the flow we are living according to God's will.

Now I am not saying that when one lives in the flow that life is easy and devoid of challenges and trials. This is certainly not the case. Even when one "lives in the flow" there will be challenges in one's life. When we face a challenging situation or trial "outside the flow" it seems unbearable and we wonder if we can make it through. It seems to us as though we are banging our heads against a wall and getting nowhere. On the flip side, when we face a similar situation while "in the flow" it is a completely different story. We accept it as an opportunity to grow and it seems like a natural part of life just like it was natural when we decided to walk as babies. 

It is my belief that when we experience any pain, suffering or resistance in life it is because we are NOT "living in the flow". It has been my observation that life in its natural state flows and moves effortlessly without any pain, resistance or suffering. Just look out at nature and see for yourself. The trees stand in elegance and serenity as their leaves and branches sway in the peaceful breeze. Birds grace the sky in freedom, bees patiently search for nectar to take home and the mighty Sun gives life and vitality to all life. Yet the true power in all this is that it all happens so naturally and effortlessly.

Life in its natural state is "in the flow". There is no pain, resistance or suffering in nature. It is in nature that we can witness the true order of life. Now when any human being experiences pain or suffering in any form it is because they are doing something that is going against the natural order of things. Put another way, nature lives according to God's will and prospers accordingly, because the Divine will "is the flow" of life. It is only when you step outside the Divine will that you begin to experience any type of pain or suffering.

It is true that we each have a unique purpose during our lives here on earth. Each of us fits into the giant jigsaw puzzle and we each have our place within it, without exception. "Living in the flow" is about letting the higher aspects of life guide you into place on this giant jigsaw puzzle. We only begin getting "out of the flow" when we think we know better than the Divine. When we live according to our own will we begin experiencing pain, suffering and resistance. We try and move our own puzzle piece and place it where we feel is best.

The trouble with this is that we can only see a tiny aspect of the entire puzzle at any one time. So when we decide to move ourselves around we are doing it blindly, not knowing how we fit into the grand scheme of things. But there is One who knows the entire jigsaw puzzle at all times and who sees it in its entirety. Now let me ask you a question. Is it not easier to follow the One who knows everything than to follow your own comparatively tiny viewpoint?

The natural answer to this question is "yes, of course it is". So then how do we begin "living in the flow?" In my experience I have found that the heart is where the will of God resides within us. It is manifest in our feelings, not our emotions, and also in our intuitions. When we let go of the mind and trust the still small voice within we begin to get in touch with the will of God that leads us to "living in the flow". Feelings are of the heart, emotions are of the mind.

When a person turns their attention to the deeper aspects of themselves they begin getting in touch with the deeper aspects of life. As within, so without. By deeper I do not mean anything complex or dark in nature. By using the word deeper I simply mean those aspects of ourselves that we often overlook the 'real' parts of ourselves. Often times we are all guilty of viewing ourselves only superficially without really learning about who we really are within.


It can be challenging but it is possible. Each of us has a unique place to fulfil in the grand puzzle of life and there is only One who knows how it all fits together. We can either learn how to get in touch with the parts of us that guide us down that path, or we can choose to follow our own path based on the more familiar parts of our being. Either way it is within our power to determine which path we go down.

Therefore life is a choice. Do we choose to move our own puzzle pieces or do we choose to let the Divine move and direct our puzzle piece? One leads to being "out of the flow" and the other leads to being "in the flow". At the end of the day it is our choice. All of life is about choices. In this instance, one choice leads to pain, suffering and resistance; and the other leads to peace, joy and freedom. Now which path you choose to follow is completely up to you!

Follow Your Heart, Uncover Your Passion

When you wake up in the morning are you lethargic and dreading getting out of bed? Do you feel dismay in thinking about the day ahead? Does it feel natural to be doing the things you are doing in your life? Or does it seem like you are walking against hurricane force winds day by day?

If you are like most people, then you have experienced and felt all of the above at some point in your life. If not, then this article is not for you, and you should probably be writing an article or book of your own on the topic! But few there are out there that can say they haven’t experienced all of the above at some point in their lives.

I can definitely say that for the most part of my life I have felt this way. There have been the fleeting moments where I just felt in the flow of life and everything seemed so natural. But those times have been few and far between. And so it is with most of us. To most of us life is a drag and it feels like we are constantly butting out heads against a wall and never getting past it. And so I ask you this one question, why is that?

There may be many of you that have never seriously asked yourself that question. But yet it is one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves on a consistent basis. Is life really meant to be so dull and boring? Is our purpose to merely live meaningless lives where we never seem like we are accomplishing anything of any real worth? Surely as human beings we are destined for better circumstances than these in life?

Again you may not have an answer for these questions, or maybe you do. It is also possible that you try not to think about answers to questions like these because it only leads to more sadness and depressed thoughts. If so you need not think that way any longer. You see life is not meant to be like that. Each human being is born onto this earth with a specific purpose innately within them. Every single one of us fits into the overall jigsaw puzzle, with all our pieces being the same size, yet different in appearance. No one person has a greater or more important purpose than the other.

One of the hardest aspects of our lives is to find out what our purpose is. In actual fact it can be just as hard to find out that we actually have a purpose in life. For most of us we are brought up being told what to do and who to become. There is no freedom for us to express our individuality and unique purpose to the world. Nevertheless it does not detract from the fact that each one of us has a purpose. This purpose is manifested in the things we are passionate about. When we find something we are passionate about, we are beginning to uncover part of our life’s purpose.

The question still remains though, how do we find and uncover our passion in life? Many people, including myself have been looking for the answer to this question for many, many years. But yet the answer, as I am beginning to learn for myself, is simpler than you might expect. It is simply a matter of getting in touch with and following your heart. Now I am not talking about the physical heart, but the spiritual aspect of the heart, the one we usually associate with love and joy and other such things.

It is within this aspect of our hearts that our true passion lies. It is here that all the answers about your purpose in life are found. This is where you must seek, and it is there that you shall find. The problem is most of us live our lives completely lost in our minds. When the mind goes to work, it seeks only the answers it already knows. Therefore it is impossible to find your purpose and passion in life through your mind.

The mind is limited by knowledge that we’ve attained throughout our lives, or in other words, by our memories. So by seeking from memory only, our minds unconsciously limit us only to what is known. And if you have never known your passion in the past, it is impossible to find it in the future within the mind. The true solution to this problem and most of life’s problems lie outside our conscious awareness. They real solutions reside in our hearts.

When we are in tune with our heart’s desires, we are in flow with life. This is because our hearts are connected with the higher aspects of life, the unseen elements in the universe. Our heart is literally the connection between us and everything else in the universe. The heart is the key. When we connect with the heart aspect of our being we connect with the very Source of life itself. This is where true inspiration emanates from.

So then how do we connect with our hearts? How is it that we can uncover our true purpose and passions in life? Simply follow your heart’s guidance. Follow the feelings and hunches you have in life. Go with your gut instincts and intuitions when you feel them within you. They are all sourced from your heart. Those things don’t come from your mind they come from a deeper aspect of yourself.

When you stop living from your mind and start living from your heart, then everything in your life will begin to change. The mind casts a veil over us that we cannot see beyond when we look through its blinkers. The heart is able to see clearly without the tainting and constraints that are associated with the mind. It is not easy to let go of the mind and trust the feelings and instincts that come from the heart. But in order to uncover your purpose in life it must be done this way. You will never find your true purpose in life within your mind.

When you start living from your heart you can expect to have the following things occur in your life. You will wake up in the morning feeling energised and alive. You will feel enthusiasm about the day ahead. Everything in your life will feel natural and things will just fall into place for you without any effort on your part. And you will find the resistance beginning to disappear until eventually you find the wind is now behind you and guiding you forward in life.

And so it is as you follow your heart, you uncover your passion. The joy and excitement you have always longed for is within you. The trick is in getting in touch with the aspect of yourself that possesses all those things you are seeking for. You are the key. Now it is up to you to use the key to unlock the aspects of yourself that will allow you to live the life you have always dreamed of.