The Function of Belief and Perception

The notion of open mindedness is a peculiar one: in holding on to a notion, the mind becomes closed. It is not about finding a new belief, but rather stepping beyond the need to believe. In that great unknown space, with the deep acceptance thereof, we find the unfiltered creative reality.

Beliefs are the catalysts of perceptions. They transmute raw sensory information into a labeled, “known” perception. This takes the effort out of observation: our beliefs calculate the reaction to stimuli, replacing questions with answers and discomfort with comfort.

Creative questioning is replaced by automatic response. We stop listening to our senses in favor of our beliefs’ perceptions. We become one layer removed from reality. How do we go back?

Question your perceptions and listen to your senses. Ask yourself, why do I perceive it this way? Where do my labels stem from? What are my senses telling me? How does the sensory information relate to the labels I have applied?

Through asking these exploratory questions openly and casually throughout your experience, you can learn a great deal about yourself and the beliefs you hold on to. By casually, I mean that you should not grasp on to any frustration in the exercise, don’t take it too seriously. You will get to where you are going.