NOTES FROM THE AWARENESS: 506

Interpretation can lead to misinterpretation.

Please reflect and share. How does this play out for you?

Sometimes events puzzle us. Or the motivations for others’ actions may seem inconceivable. So based on the limited facts as we’re able to perceive them, we make up a story about what’s happening. We attempt to interpret drivers and motivations because we believe understanding the situation will somehow give us more control over it.

Unfortunately, our interpretations often have little to do with actual causes and actions. We evaluate based on our own incomplete data, framed by our past experiences and prejudices. This often leads us to see what we expect to to see rather than what is.

Today’s message cautions me not to indulge in much interpretation of other people’s actions or motives. My explanations would likely have more to do with my own fears and beliefs and less to do with what’s really occurring. When I accept what happens as is, perhaps without even fully understanding it, I have greater peace of mind and will be able to react to situations more appropriately.

How about you? Do you tend to interpret events?