Perception vs. Reality

Perception is reality. Except...it isn't.

I am taking voice lessons right now. Part of the process involves watching videos of yourself singing taken during lesson. I've been surprised by the difficulty I have in watching those videos, and I'm trying to figure out what that's about. It isn't in hearing myself - because I'm usually ok with that - but regardless, the bottom line is that I'm being forced to see things that I don't like to see. And it's occurring to me how easy it is to let myself live with a perception of myself that isn't reality.

The only way to fix things within yourself is to be aware of what needs to be fixed. The only way to improve is to know (read: see) where improvements need to be made. The only way to be made into the image of God is to come face to face with the things in yourself which do not accurately reflect Him. You have to see yourself reflected in the mirror of Truth in order for any of that to happen...and isn't that the ultimate goal?

A friend of mine who is married once said to me that, for her, one of the biggest blessings of marriage is having someone who reflects your heart back to you, so you can see the truth of yourself in a safe and loving environment. As a single woman (or person for that matter), it's quite easy to live in my perceptions without seeing what is reality and think all is well. I'm surrounded by a "yes man" (ie: ME!).

When we are afraid to see the Truth, we live a lie. And to protect ourselves in that lie, we hold people at arms length. And holding people at arms length keeps us from developing that "safe place" to see the reflection of our true selves. Interestingly enough, my teacher reminded me at the end of the lesson that this was a "safe place" to try new things.

Who knew that these lessons would be a catalyst to self examination? I need to start thinking about these things that I don't like...and work on turning them into action items. And I hope that the practice of seeing reality and improving on it will take root in some deeper places, as well.