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Recently in a therapy group, I had a real eye-opener. They showed us this music video with a mix of drama and comedy at the end. We talked about the emotions it stirred up and who emphasized what. Then, we each described what we thought the plot was about. That's when it hit me: it was like we watched three very different stories. And keep in mind, these are experienced participants who've spent quite a bit of time together, all while sharing a common culture. I pondered, "What about interactions among strangers? Particularly those from varying backgrounds? Isn't it a marvel that they can actually communicate and collaborate at all?"
The goal of this group is simple: to know oneself and others better. So, everyone tries to honestly share their feelings, actions, and thoughts. This is the rare opportunity for some not-so-comfortable yet safe feedback. Manipulation, finger-pointing, and self-deception – those behaviors aren't welcomed here. This is exactly why we've come to realize how our personal perspectives can distort reality. Amidst a sea of information, we selectively pick what aligns with our own narrative. This is why the most impassioned (and often fruitless) debates arise when we're confined within our own narrative, disregarding alternative ways of perceiving the world.
Further analysis revealed that our interpretations aren't arbitrary. Your psychological inclinations, upbringing, and past experiences guide you to observe A, skew B, and dismiss C. So, what's the solution? Consider the notion that your interpretation of an event isn't the sole one. Then, fueled by authentic curiosity, inquire of your companion, "Hey, can you dive deeper into why you see it that way?"
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
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