Perception
According to Oxford Languages, perception is a way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something. Perception is like an impression. It is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses, inevitably informing the way we think about or understand our surroundings.
Interestingly, perception flows two ways, meaning we take it in and give it out. In other words, it includes how we see something/someone and how someone sees us. Worthy of noting, there is no right or wrong perception. Perception comes from our own unique life experiences, and what we bring to the table. This means that no two people have the perfectly exact same experiences and consequential responses.
Here's a fun example of perception:
Read the following excerpt and then count the number of Fs you see.
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...
How many do you see? The correct answer is 6. Based on how your brain processes letters, you may initially come up with a different number. Go back and count again, slowing down to methodically absorb. Perception keeps us from processing the word “of.” Now do you see the 6? If so, you have a new and different perception.
Given the massive amounts of stimuli taken in by our senses, we only select a portion of the incoming information (just like the Fs) to organize and interpret based on our needs, interests, or expectations. We then organize and process that information into perceptions that inform our life direction and define our minds and opinions of ourselves, others, and the world surrounding us. Perceptions create emotions, which then, in turn, determine our behaviors, choices, and responses.
It is, therefore, critical to recognize the importance of being open-minded, objective, and willing to consider other points of view. When faced with challenging situations, taking a moment to examine the strengths and weaknesses of an issue is crucial to finding the best solutions and explanations. The most generally agreed-upon helpful response to disagreements, perhaps based on perception, is not to include shouting and screaming, because it will usually lead to nothing but additional problems. Sometimes, until we develop the ability to perceive broadly, it may take an objective person, one who can see different perceptions, to remind us to consider other views before finally reaching our own conclusions.
The world may often be presented as two-sided — black and white, right and wrong — with little room for objective thinking. In reality, few things are so clean-cut. Unfortunately, many people lack the initiative to recognize this so they can embrace all the possibilities that are available. Examining facts and options in a calm and objective manner is the primary way to broaden perspective and make educated choices, a useful concept for forming strong relationships, business partnerships, and sound decisions overall. The idea of understanding and acknowledging perception as a permanent priority is key to developing open-minded and well-rounded individuals.
In closing, now that you’re probably thinking about perception, what animal or animals do you see in this image?
Do you think your experiences have shaped the image(s) you see? When you look more closely and intently, you more than likely will see both animals. Which did you see first? Hmmm…
— Jill Dagistino, Registered Mental Health Intern