Getting the right perspective...

Perception is reality. Think about it. Although I could argue that truth is absolute, it seems to me that one's perception of a truth, or a situation, defines that person's reality.

There's a new movie that just opened at local theaters called Vantage Point. Although I have yet to see this movie, I have been fortunate enough to view some of the trailers - and I believe the movie's premise illustrates my point. The characters of the movie all witness the same event, but from different "vantage points." Because of their differing perceptions of what has taken place, each character's reality of the situation is a bit different.

I know this truism also plays a role in my life. As I perceive different situations at home and at work, I'm sure that I react according to the reality I've created. But what if my reality is not shared by others involved, what then? I submit that this is how many misunderstandings and conflicts get started. How then, can one be better equipped to handle such situations?

Getting the proper perspective is essential, both in life and in specific situations. If our perception is indeed our reality, it would follow that we should take great measures to insure that our perspective is accurate. If our 'vantage point' were different, would we react in the same manner...?