Photo of the Week: No filter rose. Seriously. This is without a filter. However, I am not overly skilled with a camera. This was taken with my Android on a day that was so bright, I could barely see the image on the screen when I snapped it. I like it, but it does not look like the actual rose.

Or does it?

This is the rose as my camera “saw” it, under particular conditions. It would look different to me at night. It would look different to a dog, or a bee, or under a microscope. Which is the “real” rose? All of them.

I have said, and I have heard others say, “if people knew the real me, they would not like me.” A person’s view of their interior world is a view. What others see is a different view. My friends and my clients, my family and acquaintances, all see me differently, depending on circumstances (such as the amount of light hitting the rose) and depending on the viewers’ “filter.” We interact with each other, bringing to the surface different behaviors and perceptions. All are real views. (Except, of course, when there is deception. Although, that shows something else that is true.)

We can affect the lens we use to view circumstances, as well as people. I was speaking to a friend about his current struggle with finances. He said in one way it is scary and depressing. In another way it is opening his eyes to another way of living, seeing what is most important. Both of these views are true. It is depressing and eye opening at the same time. Others may have different views of his situation. His parents could be disappointed. Someone else may see him and think he is lucky to have, for example, education as a resource. All of these views are valid. Which view is most useful for my friend to have when making decisions? For him, being scared causes him to lose energy. So, right now, he is trying to focus on new opportunities for living.

It can be difficult to change a lens. Sometimes, looking to others for their view is helpful. Sometimes, writing different possible filters is helpful. The lens you are using may serve you for now. It does not have to be the permanent lens. Play with your filters. See what can make the best image for now.