It is often painful to watch the election debates and then listen to the commentary. So often what the commentators say the candidate said is not what the candidate said! If you recorded the debate, you can even go back and confirm this. Is it an intentional spin or is it sincerely what the listener heard?
Rishi, Devata, and Chhandas (knower, process of knowing, and known) permeates everything. The observer defines the observed. We do not perceive so much as we project, our judgements, fears, preconceived notions, etc. When those projections are on you, it is often terribly disturbing. I think we all experience that in our own lives. I sometimes wonder what is projected upon my daily interactions, articles, blogs, and lectures. What someone insists you said is often not what you said and certainly not what you meant. To have those misconceptions spread among your friends and associates is painful enough. The spin may be intentional lies, misunderstandings, or innocent projections. It is difficult to imagine how the day after day barrage of such spins that candidates experience on a national level must effect them and their families. Fame has its price, especially in politics.
To understand this process is good. But to live your life in accord with that understanding is great. The winds of misunderstanding can spin life in many directions. To know what is in another person’s heart is to see beyond the spin.
To live better, we must look deeper.
This is such an important concept. I’ve tried a million times to maintain an attitude. It just doesn’t work, not really. The only thing that really works is to look deeper. Then I live better.
What a wonderful and timely concept. While I find it impossible to not perceive onto, perhaps I can become more aware of the lens that I am looking through.
Wonderful blog! I work so very hard at this! When D.Trump said he thought we should shut down the border to immigrants coming in from Syria..he said “until” we figure out how to make it safe. No one repeated his comment with an “until” included. They were implying he said for good. Leaving out or adding just one simple word can be a game changer.
PS I am not a Trump supporter..I just happened to catch this one.
Well said, I have been pondering on what is being said about the election candidates and what is actually true. I find it interesting that the mainstream media treats each of the candidates so differently. For example, they can’t get enough of Trump and slam him every chance they get, they seem to ignore Bernie Sanders as much as possible (thousands of Bernie Sanders supporters recently marched in 35 states with little or no media coverage), and Hilary is largely portrayed as the “normal” and overall positive candidate. I wonder how much of people’s feelings towards each candidate is a reflection of media conditioning, followed by personal projection…
This is a very beautiful and timely reminder.
I really appreciate the compassion expressed.