Seeing Through a Different Lens
A few weeks ago, I was in an Uber. Along the side of the road, we passed a patch of long bright green grass which had turned mostly to weeds.
As we did, we chatted about the fact that the driver had moved from Colorado —specifically, how much he was enjoying the change of scenery and the easy access to nature.
He pointed out the window to the patch of grass and weeds and said:
“I mean look at all of this natural beauty! How can you beat it?!”
Where I saw a patch of weeds, he saw a striking example of natural beauty.
His perspective was filled with joy and pride in his new city.
I looked back out the window.
While I still saw weeds and overgrown grass, I also noticed the vivid green, the lushness, and the dandelions. . . seeing this scene through his eyes.
It was a great reminder that the lens through which we view things makes such a difference.
We can consider the same idea within our teams, organizations, and neighborhoods —instances in which we might be looking at the same thing but seeing or feeling something very different.
We don't have to agree on whether it's a patch of weeds or a striking example of natural beauty, but we can practice acceptance, understanding, and curiosity for the other point of view.
Any instances of “looking at the same thing, but seeing something very different” that you've encountered recently?
Reflections
Where am I seeing a patch of weeds, where someone else is seeing an example of natural beauty?
Where am I seeing an example of natural beauty, where someone else is seeing weeds?
What can it look like to have appreciation for the other perspective, and the other person's point of view? Or, if not appreciation —perhaps just neutrality (vs judgment one way or the other)?
