Seeing the World Through Different Lenses

Each of us views the world or life through our own unique perspective, that is formed by the cumulative effect of our experiences. While the external world may be the same for everyone, our interpretations of it are vastly different, tinted by the way we have learned to see it. It is as though we each wear glasses of different colours, and through these lenses, the same external reality appears in different shades and meanings for each one of us. These unique lenses through we view the world are shaped predominantly by our beliefs, our fears and our unmet needs.

These lenses start forming, from the moment we are born. As children, we encounter both positive and negative experiences. These experiences, whether nurturing or distressing, lay the foundation of our beliefs. If a child grows up in an environment filled with love and support, they may carry a sense of safety and trust in the world. On the other hand, a child who experiences neglect or fear may see the world as a more threatening place, viewing it through a lens of caution or defensiveness. Someone who grew up in an environment of scarcity may constantly see lack, even in situations of relative abundance. Another person, having faced betrayal, may be hyper-aware of perceived threats to trust. What one person sees as an opportunity; another may interpret as a risk.

Our fears are a particularly strong component of the lens through which we view the world. These fears arise from past experiences, where we might have felt unsafe, unloved, unseen or unvalued. As a result, we become more aware of the things that trigger these fears. For example, if someone fears rejection, they might become hyper-aware of subtle cues of disapproval in social interactions. They might even interpret neutral actions as signs of disapproval.

Similarly, there are our unmet needs- those longings that weren’t fulfilled, leaving us with voids that we might carry for the rest of our lives. These voids drive us, often unconsciously, to look for what is missing deep within us, what we long to receive or crave for. Each of us has different voids or unmet needs; for love, admiration or safety that drive us to seek different things from life.  

This difference in perception is often the root of conflict and misunderstanding. Imagine two people looking at the same painting: one sees vibrant reds, while the other only sees calming blues. They might argue about what the painting really looks like, unaware that their individual lenses are causing them to perceive the colours differently. In life, this same principle applies. We often assume others see the world exactly as we do, leading to confusion and conflict.

The key to resolving misunderstandings and deepening connections lies in acknowledging that everyone’s perception is shaped by their experiences, beliefs, fears, and needs. True empathy is not merely to listen to other’s words but to try to look at the world from their vantage point. It means being curious about their journey, their struggles, and the lens through which they see life. When we make the effort to metaphorically “wear someone else’s glasses,” we are better able to comprehend their perspective and them as a whole person.

Recognizing that we all wear different lenses doesn't mean we have to agree with everyone’s viewpoint, but it does mean we can approach disagreements with more understanding. Instead of insisting that the world is red, we can step back and say, “I see red, but I can understand why you might see blue.” This simple shift can transform conflicts from battles over who is right into more meaningful and compassionate interactions.

Moreover, wearing someone else’s glasses doesn’t just allow us to understand them better; it enriches our own perspective. When we expand our ability to see the world from multiple viewpoints, we cultivate empathy, patience, and wisdom. And through this shared understanding, we can create deeper, more authentic connections, bridging the gap between our coloured lenses into finding the common thread in the vast spectrum of human experience.