Is there such thing as a true reality? Or, is reality a subjective perspective?
A World of Illusions:
I was recently at the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) when I came across this interesting piece:
The artwork consists of heads cut out and attached to thin wooden planks, all positioned at the same horizontal level. What caught my attention is that despite their equal positioning, the way light reflects on them creates an illusion that some heads appear higher on the wall than others. To me, this phenomenon embodies the essence of hierarchy.
Hierarchy is like a perceptual illusion. It occurs when our beliefs spotlight people, objects, or ideas, influencing our interpretation and making us think that some are superior to others or possess more intrinsic value. However, I don't see hierarchy as a straightforward vertical ladder. In truth, we all share the same fundamental inner worth.
I see hierarchy as an expansion of consciousness on a horizontal plane, not a vertical ascent. Instead of being "higher," we broaden our perception. But is this perspective of hierarchy a universal truth, or simply my interpretation based on how I observe the world?
This got me thinking: Is there such a thing as absolute truth, or is everything just interpretation and perspective? Knowledge and consciousness keep expanding, just like the universe. So, who's to say that mastering anything is the ultimate mastery?
I believe subjects like science, mathematics, and spirituality are human inventions to make sense of our mysterious world. They're essential, representing the truths we've uncovered so far. But even these fundamental ideas evolve as our perception grows.
My point is we should be lifelong students of life. Let's celebrate milestones, but not stop there. Many think adulthood equals self-actualization, but life is a journey, not a destination. Knowledge isn't a straight line; it's a complex web. As we unveil the unknown, more lessons await. We can always dive deeper into the profound mysteries of existence.
Your Turn:
Our fundamental "truths" are more like guideposts, pointing us toward the center of our collective existence. As we gain more knowledge, we get closer to accuracy or alignment. However, these observations may or may not apply to your life.
Even if these truths aren't entirely accurate, they serve a purpose as a compass. Trust your intuition to determine if a truth resonates with you or not. While Socrates famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living," I'd like to suggest that the examined life is worth living, too!
Your task is to examine the truths in your life and see if they resonate with you. Use your intuition as your guide. The stories we read in history books and newspapers are based on the perspectives of specific observers. So, who's to say that the presented story is the absolute truth? More importantly, is it your truth?
Remember that what's true for you might not hold for someone else.
Vagueness allows inclusivity, whereas specificity can be limiting. Vagueness permits us to draw our conclusions based on our unique life experiences. It leaves room for interpretation and exploration.
So, gather your truths and let them enrich your life's journey! The artwork above may not have been explicitly about hierarchy, but that's the story I perceived and the meaning I took away. And the lesson I learned was profound!
Amor y Canela,
Monica