What #TheDress Actually Taught Us
In early March, 2015, the whole world was captivated (and enraged) by a dress. An optical illusion, this dress appears gold and white to some, and black and blue to others. Is it our brains playing tricks on us? Is it the tilt of the screen? Is it the type of filter? The question that wracks us the most though is: what is the true color of the dress?
This internet sensation sparked a slew of conversations and debates, each person sure of what they saw, indignant if someone else didn’t see what they did. Perception is everything, as neuroscience shows, and not only in fashion and color. In addition to our biological and perceptual differences there is that of our thoughts and opinions. Indeed, we each have different, often clashing, views of people, the world and ourselves. If we stuck to our own point of view on all matters in the world like faith, life choices, family traditions, and so on, like we do with the dress, where would we be in the end? The question is, then, how do we get along if all we want to do is stick to our own viewpoint?
How Do You See It?
For one, we can try to understand the other person’s perspective without judgment. We can take a step back from our fast-held beliefs and, for a moment, consider what life might look like through another’s eyes. Even if we don’t agree with that particular view in the end, we will at least become more enlightened and aware of concepts different from our own. As a result, we can become more embracing, empathizing individuals, all the wiser for the future.
This Is How I See It
When are we ever completely correct the first time around? Disputes are an opportunity to reflect on how we see something – Am I looking at this from all angles? Am I getting all the facts? Why do I believe this? Why am I doing this? We can also consider why we might be feeling so indignant if someone does not agree with our ways–Are we unconfident? Defensive? This gives us the chance to either correct or solidify a current belief or behavior.
So What Color Is This Dress, Really?
When all is said and clicked on, we can either agree to disagree or go to the Source and seek God’s consultation. Okay, so we wouldn’t concern God with a little dress argument (just ask the designer!), but in regards to the real debates in this world, there is no one way. And when we realize this, what do we do next?
Indeed, often we criticize others’ lifestyle choices, thinking ours is the better way. However, each of us is a child of God, equal in our own rights. We each have an innate value that comes directly from God, which underlies all our differences. Because God is the source of our divine value, if we can see one another’s differences through the lenses of God’s love for all people, we might have a completely different heart towards each other as well.
Now that’s a tint worth looking at the world through.