believe or disbelieve controls a good deal of what we are able to perceive, as well as how we will interpret that perception. The physical lens prompts considerable debate, even
among those of us who adhere to the theory of the personal lenses. Just how much does our physical being contribute to the way we perceive the world around us? If we are physically structured to be an athlete, we likely see the world differ- ently from those who have sustained bodily injuries that have changed them. It could be as simple as living a life in which we are treated differently because of the way we look, or as subtle as having a talent or a challenge that influences how we react to a given situation. Whatever the case, our physical self is an influence upon our interpretation of every experience. The contextual lens is a bit more abstract. Basically, the
culture, time, and place in which we developed—including our gender, age, ethnicity, and economic condition— create a con- text that influences the way we see our world. We cannot deny that context is a huge influence on perception and meaning. The last of the six lenses that interact to create our “Per-
sonal Lens” is the communal lens, the most controversial, and the lens most at the cutting edge of thinking today. Being human means most everything is experienced through relation- ship: our connections and interrelationships mold the way we experience our life; our shared energy makes it impossible to entirely separate from the rest of society. Scientists are making great strides in understanding the energy fields in which we
exist. A good deal of who we are is shared with others, and it is relationships and shared energy that influence the way we perceive and experience life.
How the lenses come together Now we must consider how the lenses interact and bal-
ance at any given moment to become our “Personal Lens,” remaining aware that the lenses are in constant communica- tion with each other, that they are interacting and influenc- ing our holistic self at every moment. There might be times that an experience is dominated by our intellect, but the other five lenses are still at play. We are too complex as be- ings to exclude any of the six lenses from the way we experi- ence life and create meaning from our perceptions. The importance and application of the concept of per- sonal lens is found not only in understanding ourselves, but also others. Respecting that each of us has these six unique and different lenses, through which we experience life and attribute meaning to experience, is central to a richer and more holistic life. It is also essential in understanding creativity as a function of the individual. We must therefore apply this perspective as we approach teaching, learning or our relationships with others.
James P. Longo is Provost at The Graduate Institute, located in Bethany, CT. For more information visit
Learn.edu or call 203.874.4252. See ad below.
natural awakenings
September 2010
33
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