The Color of Other Perspectives

“In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then

to hang a question mark

on the things you have long taken for granted.” 

(Bertrand Russell)

Recent conversations with my brother are a reminder that the world, and the reality through which we perceive it, are a multi-faceted gem. While Cameron and I share many viewpoints, we have an equal number of divergent perspectives on life.

Perhaps one of the most threatening areas of human growth in which to explore is that of accepting that there are ways to be in this world than our own. We tend to carefully construct our reality upon learned beliefs, values, and morals. In so doing an underlying mandate informs us that any beliefs, values, or morals that differ from our own must be wrong.

“We can complain

because rose bushes have thorns,

or rejoice

because thorn bushes have roses.” 

(Abraham Lincoln)

I’m not saying that we should not cling to our beliefs – faith demands diligence and steadfastness. However, faith is weak if it is easily threatened by another’s perspective. For Christians and Muslims this can create something of a moral dilemma, for both of these religions espouse one true perspective, one right path. How then do we both cling, and be open to another’s journey?

“There are no facts,

only interpretations.” 

(Friedrich Nietzsche)

Perhaps the challenge is to understand our own beliefs, values, and morals so deeply that we can sit in the presence of contrary beliefs without feeling threatened. More even, in the face of contradictory values we may find our own understandings sharpened, defined, and enriched.

“One person's craziness

is another person's reality.” 

(Tim Burton)

To step outside of ourselves and acknowledge the ideas and beliefs of someone else takes great self-awareness.

Is that not Love at work? Recognizing that the political, religious, or cultural underpinnings of our neighbor are as important as our own? That another’s lens is also a way to see the world. Love is unity in diversity, making room at the table even when it pushes our limits or tests our boundaries.

Often we are so utterly convinced that our way is the right way, that it is the only way. At the very same time someone else is looking at us and thinking the same thing about their thoughts… Love seeks to build bridges, to start conversations, to create the ground where “aha” moments open our hearts to an epiphany.

Find a moment this week to sit down with someone whose point of view is different from your own. Don’t try to convert them, just listen. Then share your thoughts and let them listen. No conversion necessary; agreement is not the goal. Simply enjoy the colors of the sunrise from somebody else’s mountain.

I leave the last word to author Shannon Alder:

“Your perspective on life

comes from the cage you were held captive in.” 

(Shannon L. Alder)

The color of other perspectives…

Loving your neighbor as yourself.

The caterpillars

Were convinced

They’d figured it out

 And then

Came

Butterflies

Smile

Breathe

Pray 

To Ponder Further:
- From the Bible: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 )

- From Islam: “Be not be like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving clear signs…” (Qur’an 3.105)

- From Africa: “It is because one antelope will blow the dust from the other's eye that two antelopes walk together.” (African Traditional Religions. Akan Proverb [Ghana])