Here’s a little mind trick to play with: everything you experience reaches you through your awareness. The colours you see, the sounds you hear and the taste of your food all appear in consciousness. In that sense, the reality you perceive is a state of consciousness.
How perception works
Your brain is constantly taking in information from your senses and building a picture of the world. It fills in gaps, makes predictions and focuses on what seems important. That’s why two people can witness the same event and remember it differently.
This doesn’t mean the world isn’t real. It means your experience of the world is shaped by your mind: your attention, expectations, mood and history.
Why this matters
Realising that perception is shaped by the mind can be freeing:
- You can notice your filters. When you’re tired or stressed, the world may look bleaker. Knowing this, you can hold your judgements more lightly.
- You can choose where to place your attention. Attention shapes what you notice, and what you notice shapes your day.
- You can be more understanding of others. Everyone sees the world through their own lens, just as you do.
Trying the mind trick
Next time you’re caught in a strong reaction, pause and remind yourself, This is how it appears to me right now. Notice how this small shift can create space.
You might also try looking at a familiar scene as if for the first time. Notice colours, shapes and sounds you usually overlook.
Respecting other views
Different traditions describe consciousness and reality in very different ways, from neuroscience to Buddhist philosophy. You don’t have to choose one map to enjoy exploring the question.
How little is enough
Once a day this week, pause and notice: What am I aware of right now? Let that be enough.
For more, read how to use your consciousness for a better life.
When you’re ready to go a little deeper, the Guides page has a guided journal for walking through change at your own pace.