30x30 Challenge Day 2

The Difference Between Observation and Perception

Lesson excerpt:
Strong emotions require a great deal of energy to keep up. We fuel them with our mental narrative. All we have to do is stop entertaining the self-conversation and return to the moment.

Many of us are aware of the observation/perception dichotomy. In theory, we understand that to notice something or have something happen to us is different than our reaction to it. Emotion, positive or negative, is not a foregone conclusion of a specific event. We have a choice. However, actually putting this into practice is another skill entirely. And yes, it is a skill and, like a skill, it can be trained.

One of the best places to begin is to build awareness around the areas that tend to make us overreact the most, in either a positive or negative way. What type of annoyances hit us the hardest? Which relationships seem to chafe us worst? What type of prospects are most likely to make us overly optimistic?

Question/Journal of the Day:

In what situations do you often find yourself being swept away by negative emotions? How are you perceiving those experiences and how could you change your perception or your response?