Interpretation | true point of view

Interpretation Is Key

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.

Quintus Horatius Flaccus a.k.a. Horace / Roman lyric poet / 65–8 BC

We live in a world of polarities as demonstrated by positive and negative charges, feminine and masculine genders, or states of rest and activity, for example. With respect to emotions, the polarities are love and fear. Love is the basis for a wide array of positive emotions, whereas fear is the source of negativity and leads to the majority of stress that people face. If one learns to manage fear, then limitations for success dissipate dramatically. Fear can be offset by knowledge. One can also develop a strategy for life that will prevent certain fears from arising initially. For those unavoidable fears that do crop up at times, there are tactics that can be leveraged to cope, along with a proper point of view to prevail.

Psychology teaches us that interpreting adversity as a threat can impair clear thinking, stifle action, and create stress. That stress will often impede performance and lead to accident, illness, or disease. Conversely, the same science has found that interpreting adversity as a challenge will help an individual focus and excel. Overcoming such challenge builds self-confidence and strengthens one’s immune system. Our interpretation of or take on a given situation shapes our thoughts and those thoughts lead to various feelings, each of which carries a powerful, emotional vibration. As discussed, such energy will attract like vibrations, meaning that our thoughts and feelings lead to manifestations. When constructive thoughts and good feelings are combined with positive, focused action, we can accomplish amazing things. The following diagram shows the key role interpretation plays:

Events arise through the natural progression of life or as a result of our actions or the actions of others. Despite our hopes or best intentions, things will sometimes surface in the form of adversity for a variety of reasons. We all experience loss or hardship, for example. There’s no escaping it, but we can cope with it and sometimes utilize it to our advantage. For example, instead of judging things as good or bad, we can look on them as interesting, which will help us to detach and remain present in the moment. We can also choose to view adversity as a challenge in order to improve our focus and strengthen our resolve. In addition, we can seek out the opportunity that exists and act accordingly. Although we cannot control much of what arises in our lives, how we choose to deal with such events will make a tremendous difference in what follows. Specifically, proper interpretation, focus, and action can dramatically improve quality of life and position one for success.

With respect to interpretation, it’s important to realize that we all see the world through filters. Such filters can stem from a variety of things, including fear, love, conditioning, experience, success, failure, confidence, intelligence, and common sense, among others. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves at odds with other individuals when communicating, which is to be expected given that we see things differently; hence the reason others may not share your point of view at times, even if you believe it’s right or ideal. If you remember that, then it will make it easier to see the gaps that set us apart, empathize with others, and pinpoint solutions that benefit all involved. One approach that can aid in such an endeavor is to ensure that you don’t take things personally. When someone acts in a negative manner, it’s typically because he or she doesn’t see things clearly, feels threatened, and then reacts out of fear. Rather than personalize such behavior, understand its source so that you can remain insulated from that negativity and then tolerate it, avoid it, or work to counteract it.

A Buddhist monk once presented an interesting perspective that you can use to thwart negative thoughts when confronted with difficult situations or people, which is to go through life thinking that everyone in the world is enlightened except you. Although this may not be the case, it allows you to transcend fear and view problems from a constructive point of view. For example, if someone were to insult you and you saw him or her as an enlightened individual attempting to teach you a lesson, then you would have the ability to use the situation as a learning tool. Instead of feeling attacked and adopting a position of fear to defend yourself or your ego, you could see the situation for what it really is—namely, a challenge that’s been presented to allow you to overcome fear and expand your awareness. Such an approach will enable you to control your own reality as opposed to having it controlled by external situations, people, or events. Regardless of whether the person confronting you is enlightened, this perspective assists you in breaking free from negative thoughts and the illusions of fear.

HOW TO LEVERAGE INTERPRETATION

Interpret adversity as a challenge, not a threat, and act accordingly
* Look for the positive in each situation.
* Seek opportunity, as it is often around.
Understand that thoughts and emotions lead to manifestations.
* Think optimistically to improve your feelings.
* Act positively to enhance your situation.
Keep things in perspective as life unfolds, and don’t rush to judgment.
* Refrain from blowing things out of proportion.
* Understand filters, and don’t take things personally.