“What we see is mainly what we look for.” -Unknown
Whatever you believe about people and the world, you will likely find proof to support it.
If you look for selfishness, you’ll find it. If you look for animosity you’ll find it. If you look for injustice, you’ll find it. If you’re invested in seeing the world this way, you can probably explain a lot of what you see with negative interpretations.
Conversely, if you look for good intentions, you’ll find them. If you look for loving gestures, you’ll find them. If you look for possibilities, you’ll find them.
Much of what we see is based on how we want to interpret things–whether we judge people or give them the benefit of the doubt; whether we play the victim or find opportunities in struggles.
So the real question on any given day isn’t why you’re seeing what you’re seeing; it’s why you’re invested in that interpretation.
Today if you find yourself clinging to a negative story about a person or situation, ask yourself: What’s the payoff in holding onto this interpretation? Does it make you feel right? Or justified? Or safe? And more importantly: How might you be able to improve your state of mind or situation if you chose to see things differently?
Photo by Sigi K
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
[…] of the Day From 23 February 2010: “What we see is mainly what we look for.” -Unknown July 10th, 2010 | Category: Thought of the […]
Lovely post! Reminds me of Robert Anton Wilson’s riff on the Thinker and the Prover. Namely two little mechanisms we have that reinforce each other. “What the Thinker thinks, the Prover proves.” Once we hold a particular thought our perceptions and intentions narrow to pick out supporting evidence and experience from our total experience of reality. Think that there are more red cars on the road nowadays and Bam! they pop right out at ya!
Cheers!
This is brilliant and incredibly true. Thanks for posting!
You’re most welcome. I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Hi Travis,
Thanks for commenting! I actually wasn’t previously familiar with Robert Anton Wilson’s perspective. I definitely plan to look that up and read a little more!
Cheers back at you =)
Lori
Hi Travis,
Thanks for commenting! I actually wasn’t previously familiar with Robert Anton Wilson’s perspective. I definitely plan to look that up and read a little more!
Cheers back at you =)
Lori
Yes! I love this message. So important.
Yes! I love this message. So important.
Always glad to introduce someone to RAW. You’ll find this essay in particular at the start of his fine book, “Prometheus Rising.” If you do happen to check it out, I would love to know what you think. Thanks!
deep and profound!!! and so brilliantly true!
YES! …Of course, one & all are aware that one becomes what one thinks about.
No matter what is going on in ones life, without exception, even the very MOST mellow-dramatic story line imaginable, nevertheless, one can change one’s thinking. Instead of dwelling on the negative, one, in full mindfulness, creates a sense of possibility. YES …I CAN!
Ultimately, the wise know, that thinking (thought) must be totally surrendered for Liberation.
Silence alone is!
Its worth reading 🙂