Perception is not reality.
But since individual perceptions have a massive influence on the mind, your perception can become your reality.
The definition of perception is the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses. It's a way of regarding, understanding or interpreting something; a mental impression.
The definition of reality is the world or the state of things as they actually exist, instead of an idealistic or notional idea of them.
Perception is how we use our senses and mind to focus on, process, recall, explain, comprehend, make decisions about, and act on reality. Perceiving is something you do throughout your life, and eventually, your perceptions become the only baseline you have to define reality.
The problem is that the lens you use to craft your perception is most likely warped by your genetics, experiences, prior knowledge, emotions, geographical location, preconceived notions, social constructs, social group, economic class, cognitive distortions, and self-interest.
There's a high chance that what you think is reality is merely your limited false perception of reality.
This week I was asked, "What does it mean for someone to be open-minded?".
Open-mindedness means continuously acknowledging that your reality is your perception, and there is a high possibility that your perception skews reality.
Open-minded people typically do one of two things.
One, they accept that other people's perception-based reality is equally as acceptable as theirs. This is a gateway to complete empathy.
Or two, they live a life-long journey of breaking free from their perceptions to validate reality. This is a path to ultimate freedom.
Meeting open-minded people is rare because it takes a leap of courage to challenge your own reality.
Are you willing to take that leap?