Perceptions Creates Gaps

That it’s not what they do that bothers us… it is our own misperceptions. ~ Marcus Aurelius

Humans do not like gaps. Gaps represent danger, uncertainty. Gaps represent an unknown and your brain is hardwired to fill in the gaps. To give the unknown a story so you have a sense of security. You do not like gaps.

Perception is defined as the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. Perspective is the particular attitude you develop toward something, a point of view. Perception is a feeling. Perspective is a thought process.

 You will perceive something before you will put a story to it through your perspective. Your perspective is where you will naturally begin to bridge or fill in the gaps felt with a perception. Often using fiction that best suits you. Because you don’t like gaps. 

Perceptions leave gaps you will fill with your perspective. Become sensitive to these gaps. Become curious enough to start replacing your fiction with facts.

Put it into practice: what is a perspective you have of a situation, a person, or even yourself, that has been built off partially perceived information? What gaps did you have to fill in on your own? Did you fill it with fiction that best suits you, paints you in the best light, protects you from an emotion you’d rather not feel, makes you to be the hero rather than the villain?

Beware the gaps in your misperceptions.