The ocean can look very different, depending on whether you are standing at the shore, soaring above in a plane, or swimming beneath its waves. Likewise, a mountain can look very different relative to where you are standing. Each living thing sees the world from its unique vantage point.
While from your window you may
be seeing what looks like a huge shrub, a bird in its nest is getting an
intimate view of that tree's leafy interior. Meanwhile, a beetle sees
only a massive and never-ending tree trunk. Yet all three of you are
looking at the same tree.
Just as a shadow that is concealed from one point of view is easily seen
from another, it is possible to miss a fantastic view. That is, unless
you are willing to see what's in front of you through different eyes.
Seeing the world from another perspective, whether spatially or
mentally, can introduce you to all sorts of hidden treasures. The root
of the discovery process often lies in finding another way of looking at
the world. The common human reaction to insects is one example.
Spinning its web in a dark corner, a spider may seem drab, frightening,
and mysterious. But seen up close weaving silver snowflakes between the
branches of a tree, they can look like colored jewels.
Sometimes, there are experiences in life that from your vantage point
may seem confusing, alarming, or worrisome. Or there may be events that
look insignificant from where you are standing right now. Try seeing
them from another point of view. Bury your face in the grass and look at
the world from a bug's vantage point. Explore your home as if you were a
small child. Take a ride in a small aircraft and experience the world
from a bird's eye view. Just as kneeling down sometimes helps you see
more closely when you are looking for lost treasure, so can standing
back help you appreciate the broader picture of what you are looking at.
In doing so, you'll experience very different worlds.(Daily OM)
