How to See Things As They Are

Last Updated: October 10, 2022

Trying to see things as they are sounds simple to most people. What is is, what isn't, isn't. That being said, there's a massive difference between seeing and perceiving, and indeed seeing and comprehending. Long-held prejudices are just some of the things that make seeing things as they are difficult. Sometimes your mind does not accept somethings as it is, you make assumptions and judgements. This can be because you've already built up a mental image and then you find it difficult change your preconceived notions. Seeing things as they are takes time and patience and it's important to keep in mind the clichéd but none-the-less true phrase, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Steps

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Do not let your prejudices affect how you see things, this include how people act as well as physical objects. Try not to judge anything or anyone regarding its components. Keep a kind neutrality in most situations.
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Do not treat people as though they are inferior to you. Accept everything that is given to you, count your blessings if you belive in blessings. If your friend has given something to your other friend but not to you, don't get heated up about your supposed inferiority and your friend's supposed superiority. Just accept whatever you have with a gracious and willing nod.

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Let go of what has happened in the past. Forget the moments you were heated, abashed or embarrassment. Go for a fresh start whenever you need to see things as they are. Realize that others have made mistakes too. Feel every breath you take, every bit of happiness you experience and every word you speak.
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Everyone makes mistakes in life, but being patient enough to recover is a skill. Try to learn that skill.
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Learn so that you do not repeat the same mistakes and improve your outlook.
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Everyone makes mistakes. People will not always live up to our expectations; holding on to past wrongs will only act as a barrier and hold you back from seeing things as they are. Forgiveness makes you free to move forward.
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You cannot meet future goals if you are caught up in the past. Learn from the past but do not let it dictate your future.
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What happens in life may not always be the way you hope, but how you deal with the situation determines if you are successful or have failed.
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Tomorrow is not promised, but today you have the chance to make better choices than yesterday. Sometimes you will get a second chance. Live in the present moment.
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Use time well; cherish it. It is the little moments in time which creates life's big picture. Make the little moments count!

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Tips

Pray the Serenity prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And the wisdom to know the difference. Amen."

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Don't expect people to be like you. We all come from different backgrounds, see things differently and have our own opinions. Be open to seeing things from other perspectives.

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Another prayer which comes from the Native American tradition is the following: "Oh Great Spirit, grant that I may judge no man until I have walked two moons in his moccasins. Amen."

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