More often than not, we humans live on the surface, reacting emotionally to the world around us. To what others say and do. This causes us to form opinions of both ourselves and of others that are overly simplified.
Why? Well, much like our view of the world, it’s simple: It’s the easiest story to tell.
If we consistently live on the surface, without ever taking the time to go a little deeper, then we tend to label things as evil, good, bad, black, white, Muslim, liberal, conservative. Our vision remains 2D when the world around us is in vivid 3D.
There is more to what you see than the surface of things. That’s where we trap ourselves into classifying people and things (in boxes) in the most basic way possible. That’s what I mean by living on the surface. We tend to see the world skin deep.
We limit our worldview by how our eyes perceive things. We don’t put the effort required into the WHY before we pass judgment. Before assigning the simplest of stories. Many times we craft those stories to fit our narrow narrative of the people around us.
Stop. Take a more in-depth look at the people around you. Show some empathy. You owe it to yourself and to others to start seeing the world around you in 3D.
How many disagreements could be avoided if we worked to see the whole picture? How many wars? How much hate? What about racism? Political bi-partisanship?
We all want the same things. We all want to be secure, feel connected, and to be free. How about we start there? Stop looking at the surface and learn to take a deep dive into how others see and feel. While you’re at it, take a good long look internally.
Do you tend to make snap judgments? Do you find that you ask yourself, “why did I do that, ” far more times than you care to admit? We all have a stranger inside us. Get to know them. Find out what makes them (you) tick and work together to see more than the surface. The World is a much more beautiful place when you slow down and get to know it on a deeper level.
The same goes for you.
You’re beautiful.
great piece, very philosophical yet practical
Thank you, Azhaar. I call these my transit bus musings since I write about what I’m thinking while heading into the city.