The Value of Our Perceptions

An interesting thing happened to me when I was looking up the definition of perception, the word discernment came up. “Why is that interesting?”, you may ask? Well, I will tell you.

According to http://www.merriam-webster.com, “Some common synonyms of discernment are acumen, discrimination, insight, penetration, and perception. While all these words mean “a power to see what is not evident to the average mind,” discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives).” And according to Oxford Languages, the definition of perception is, “the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses or a way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something, a mental impression.”

So, how do we marry these two similar definitions? Let’s, instead, think about it this way, when we discern then we are taking our perceptions a step further. We are using our senses to understand the motives behind what we are seeing and hearing. We are becoming…..enlightened or insightful. We are beginning to see what others may want to keep hidden.

Our perceptions and discernment of any situation that we come across are more akin to, I think, trusting your gut. If something smells fishy and rotten then it usually is. I think that we have come to a point where we are believing too much of what someone says and not focusing on how they are acting. This is the value that you give your perception and discernment of the world around you. My advice? Stand firm on the values that have meaning to you regardless of what others try to tell you. This can be the foundation that helps you to discover happiness more fully.

So, what did I learn from this? I have found that how a person acts or behaves is more a true assessment of their overall character. I have learned how to discern who and what is good for me. I have also found that I value those qualities in whom I choose to surround myself with and what I am willing to put up with.

Trust me, it is not always easy to stand up for myself. Unfortunately, I’ve had to do it but it takes a lot for me to get to that point. However, when I have, then I know that I was and am justified in doing so.

What can you gain from this? Pay attention to what people are saying and how they are saying it. If someone is talking down to you in a demeaning way, then stand up for yourself. Learn to trust your instincts more and then you will realize who your true allies are. Trust me, you will be better off in the long run.