Written by Sandy ElChaar & narrated by PrestonR.
Life is like a landscape, constantly shifting and evolving. But here’s the catch: we don’t see the landscape exactly as it is. Instead, we experience our version of it—our perception of reality. This isn’t the objective truth, but rather our personal interpretation of what’s happening around us. Our minds create this subjective reality based on emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Imagine walking through a foggy path. You can only see a part of the scenery, and the rest remains unclear. This is how we interact with reality—through the lens of our own understanding. We don’t react to what is out there; we react to what we think is there. This perception shapes how we feel, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.
Reality itself remains out of reach, like the distant hills in a landscape. But how it affects us is what matters—this is called “actuality.” Actuality is how we experience reality in our lives, and it’s unique to each of us. Two people may walk the same path but perceive it completely differently, depending on their mindset, past experiences, and emotional state.
Understanding this concept is key because it means that much of our stress and struggle come not from the world itself, but from how we see and interpret it. Recognizing that we live in a subjective reality helps us question our assumptions, stay open-minded, and adjust our perspective when needed. By becoming aware of how we perceive the landscape of life, we can navigate it more wisely and with greater ease.
Reference: Längle, A. (2020). The 1st Fundamental Motivation – Student Manual. GLE-International, Vienna