seeing things as they really are

[happy soul]

In Buddhism, one of the goals is to see things (including yourself) as they really are. The following are some ideas that can help us to do that. I'm posting this not just to help you all, but because it's what I need to learn.

1. First we need to deeply realize that we DON'T see things as they are. Everybody has their own 'story', their own VERSION of everything, and probably no one sees themselves or anyone exactly as they are.

2. I think it's important to understand that people usually see what they WANT to see. We typically see things in ways that make us feel SECURE - SAFE. Another form of perceptual manipulation is seeing what makes you feel SPECIAL. Our view of things is, for the most part, a massive DEFENSE - a way of protecting ourselves. We avoid seeing the real truth out of fear.

3. It's absolutely essential, if we want healing and growth, to become WILLING to see the truth. We must love and value ourselves enough to be willing to be HONEST with ourselves. With sufficient willingness and self-honesty, we can allow the truth to reveal itself - we can allow our beliefs and perceptions to be healed.

4. We need to have faith. Faith allows us to feel secure. We must trust that 'all is well'. With the deep sense of security that faith affords, we can have the courage to look upon things as they are.

5. Finally, meditation is one way to see things increasingly clearly. In Buddhism, they call it 'polishing the mirror'. It's a way of LETTING GO of ILLUSIONS and allowing the mind to recognize truth.