The Role of Perception in Communication and “Truth”

[Guest guest]

In today's world we take for granted certain words to mean the same thing to everyone. For example, when someone says, "hungry" or "thirsty", we understand what they mean. Why? How? Is it because we have an empiric version in the dictionary to refer to? Possibly, yes. Ultimately

though, we as a species, tend to view words with our own definitions,

making assumptions that others share our definitions of the same words. How likely is it that we really have the same understanding as another of a particular word…the exact same understanding? Upon deeper reflection I postulate that it is not likely that two tend to share the same exact meaning as another. Why would I suggest such a thing? When

a soul can see that in order to define something we appeal largely to

our memory database (our mind) and there we can find all sorts of

interesting things associated with words, particularly certain words. In

short, through association we bring to a single word our emotions, our

memories of what that meant another time, our understanding or our

interpretation of the word. To cite a deeper example to illustrate the point let's look at what happens when someone says, "I love you." What does this mean to you? Who is saying it? When is it uttered? I recently had a gentleman ask me what "love" meant to me…in the romantic sense. (See

how I had to add that particular component since "love" can and does,

thankfully, apply to MANY situations, people, relationships and

circumstances.) Upon completion of my explanation this person merely said, "So if I felt X about you then I am in love with you?" And I said, "No, not necessarily. Each

one of us has to look within ourselves to determine what it is that

constitutes each particular form of love whether for the giving or the

receiving." This was baffling to this soul. In this instance if we choose to go deeper still we can see how perception plays a role in our final determination of "truth". (Note: I do NOT refer to Universal Truth here as that is entirely another topic.) If

we allow ourselves to go within, deeply within, down into our "Divine

Spark" or what I call the depths of my soul, or even my heart of

hearts, I can recognize certain universal requirements to meet the

basics behind a word's meaning, yet consider how many utter words that

mean nothing. If I say to you, "I love you", would you automatically assume I meant it in a romantic context? No,

not necessarily…or so I hope since I use that phrase often with those

whom are my beloved friends and family and there is not an ounce of

romance involved in any of those relationships! *grin* Yet…consider

this…if you have a desired goal, let's say romance to continue using

this example, and you utter those words to another, do you know for

certain how they are received and interpreted? No. You

can presume, assume or hope even that you do, yet not unless you fully

comprehend what that phrase means delivered in a specified context to

another can you even begin to speculate with even a modicum of accuracy

to truly understand what is shared and experienced by another found

within three small yet enormously potent words. Perception enters into the fray now. Perception

– the way we receive and interpret another's words or actions – plays a

huge role in communication and therefore understanding. When

next you decide to participate in active communication I ask only that

you look deeply within and recall this simple missive…consider what is

the other's thought or position in regard to a word or phrase that you

feel is important. If you are unclear, dig deeply, find the courage and ask. This is the beginning of communication … true communication. When

we communicate truly, leaving aside both fear and our own perceptions

which invariably may taint or color a situation one way or another, we

allow for real "truth" to occur. "Real Truth" to me is when two have a complete understanding of what is meant by a word or phrase, an action or deed, and why. This

becomes this first step in allowing another to truly "know" us even as

we also accomplish the great gift of coming to know our own selves,

thus clarifying our own "truth" relative to words, power, thoughts,

deeds, actions, etc… Thank you! :: deep bow of respect :: Namaste. Metta.~Ali~