We can see the world with new eyes and be more aware

1. Many issues start with us constantly forcing an inner model onto our view of the world. We see reality with old eyes, our inner model works as a filter.
2. Inner models can be nice because they offer continuity — a way to understand a complex world.
3. However, models can also blind us to seeing only parts of what our senses give us. Instead of seeing actual reality, we see things through the lens of our model.
4. Whatever the model is (good or bad) it will always act as a barrier between us and reality.
5. Example: I have an inner model of what my significant other is. Whenever we talk I’m not talking to her, the actual person in the moment — rather I am filtering everything through the model I have of her. This means when she acts and talks, I am not sensitive to how she genuinely is in that moment — rather I am engaging with my inner model of her.
6. My inner model is quite constant — she has certain qualities, strengths and weaknesses that I have determined are part of my inner model. This has happened automatically over years of relationship.
7. Whenever I remember to look at her with “new” eyes, without an inner model, I find it much more engaging and genuine. It feels real and I am more aware of her being — I am more in touch with the reality of the moment.
8. This works for many other things: beautiful scenery, a friend, my own thoughts — everything is more engaging when I try to take it in as it is. Without any inner model as a filter.
9. I like to see the world with “new” eyes because I am more sensitive to the reality of the moment. I am more aware — and that awareness is important to live well.
10. To summarize: Inner models have their uses to function in a complex world. However, I find a way of being with “new” eyes (i.e. seeing without an inner model) often allows me to be more real, sensitive, and aware. The hard part is to remember to take a step back from our inner models every now and then because they are so automatically part of our world.

Let me leave you with the wise words of Anthony de Mello:

“The symphony of life moves on but you keep looking back, clinging to a few bars of the melody, blocking your ears to the rest of the music, thereby producing disharmony and conflict between what life is offering you and what you are clinging to.”

Thanks for reading.