Reality...A Matter of Perception

"These 7 little words actually hold all the answers to the mystery of life itself within them."

I want to talk about perception.  I think it's an underrated commodity.  As in, folks don't give it the value it deserves.  I mean really, think about this popular quote:
                                  "What we PERCEIVE is what we BELIEVE."

These 7 little words actually hold all the answers to the mystery of life itself within them.  How you say?  Well, because they are letting us in on the secret that our PERCEPTION of what is happening around us actually creates our reality!  Let's break it down...

What is Reality?

Some might think this a silly question with an obvious answer.  They might say something like, "Well that's obvious.  Reality is what we can see, hear, feel and touch.  It is the world around us and all that we experience within it."  Well I beg to differ with that opinion.  I believe 'reality' is a bit more complex than that, and yet in principal is really simple.  I believe that reality is based on how one PERCEIVES the various stimuli they are exposed to. 

Have you ever watched someone else face something especially challenging in their life with a steadfast determination that things will work out just fine and wondered to yourself, "how do they DO that?  Why aren't they falling apart?  I don't think I could handle that.....I'd surely crumble!"  

Or perhaps you are the person who watches someone in hysterics over a traumatic event and says silently to yourself, "Oh darlin, if you would only relax and surrender to what is happening things would be a lot less stressful for you as you go through this.  After all, things always have a way of working themselves out." 

What do you suppose makes these types of people so different from one another? I used to ponder this question quite often...until I figured out the answer.  PERCEPTION.  Perception is simply how we view what is happening around us.  And contrary to popular belief, we do actually have a CHOICE in all of this.  We, in each and every moment of our lives, can choose what to believe and what not to believe. There is great power in this realization. Let's go a bit deeper...

The Peach

The Peach
by Vicky Edgerly

     I'm perched on the eve of a new month.  This particular month feels HUGE to me.  The anticipation is palpable.  I can sense it, feel it and even TASTE it.

     It tastes like the sweet juice of a perfectly ripened peach, still warmed by the late summer sun.

     But, like the peach, first I must bite into the bristly, somewhat bitter skin if I am to taste that golden nectar that lies beyond its walls. I must TRUST that once I break through, there will be pure liquid joy on the other side.

     The trust is not an easy thing.. How many times have I settled into a comfortable spot with my treasured fruit poised and ready to savor only to find it mealy and dry inside, void of any flavor at all? But still, I pick up another peach and begin the ripening process all over again.

     That is what March 1st feels like to me this year (2019). I've bitten into a lot of tasteless peaches over the last few years but the one awaiting my attention now is sure to be perfect in every way.

     I can smell its promise of perfection.  And smelling it provides me with a taste of the memory of what I know lies just on the other side of that protective, outer shell.  I can feel its perfection in the way the flesh gives under the ever so slight pressure of my thumb.

     It is ready to be savored.  It is there for the taking. It has been waiting for me, and now our time has come to share this dance of give and take.

     The peach, like my life, exists solely to please me...to be savored and cherished by me.  When I give myself over to the experience...when I face the unpleasant skin of it upon entry....when I am brave enough to welcome those uncomfortable parts in order to reap the rewards of what lies beyond, then THAT is where the victory is for both of us.

     It knows I am grateful for that moment beyond anything else in my existence.  It knows....and that is what it has lived for.  That one instant of offering me this bittersweet moment in time.  This triumph over fear of the unknown.

     We both rejoice in our sense of accomplishment.  The peach in its ability to attract my focus...that I might shower it with every ounce of love and appreciation I can produce and me, for not discarding the bitter parts but for taking them all into my very being.  Bite after bite I allow the not-so-sweet parts to enter.  I love them too because of the rush of liquid gold they have been protecting.

  Together, we dance between sour faced puckers and sweet relief.  Back and forth we go, until we have become ONE.  This precious fruit has entered my body where it will continue to feel the gratitude of every cell that makes me human.  It just keeps on giving...now in the form of nourishment and my tissues, cells and organs sing in response to the treasured gifts it brings.

     And what is left when this experience is over?  I hold the best gift of all in the palm of my hand...the seed to begin this incredible cycle all over again.

As always, I welcome your thoughtful comments!
Love and Blessings to All,
Vicky

Vicky Edgerly is a Spiritual Teacher, Author and Grief-Specialist who uses the wisdom she’s gained through study & personal experience to assist others in navigating life’s challenges.  As someone who has chosen to grow from her STE’s  (‘Spiritually Transformative Events’ ….a life event that changes one's belief systems and outlook on life), she uses her knowledge and experience to empower others.

Vicky speaks publicly about all aspects of the grief journey and specializes in showing folks the way through by offering private sessions as a Grief Journey Guide.  She has worked closely with The Afterlife Education Foundation from Portland Oregon for several years and was featured in open panel discussions at their annual conferences. Vicky continues to 'lead by example' and has published her memoir, Through Grief-Colored Glasses so others can benefit from her story by taking an intimate look at what it was like to walk through profound grief and rebuild ones life after devastating loss.  Look for her book on Amazon or where your favorite books are sold! 

Contact Info:

Vicky Edgerly
White Elephant Wisdom LLC
info@whiteelephantwisdom.com
www.WhiteElephantWisdom.com

Follow Vicky on Facebook!

Check us out on YouTube!

Click HERE for more inspirational and informative blog posts