Seeing The World For What It Is And Not What People Perceive It To Be.

Venture with me to the heart of the Czech Republic where a simple stroll down cobblestone streets unraveled my preconceived notions about culture and normativity. It's a journey that reshapes our understanding of the world, as I share personal tales of transformation and the historical sagas of innovators like David Karp and Thomas Edison, whose stories illuminate the profound impact our self-perceptions.

Our exploration doesn't stop at personal anecdotes; we delve into the spiritual realm, discussing how wisdom from an array of faiths has enriched my growth beyond a Roman Catholic upbringing. I weave together teachings from Proverbs to Philippians, revealing the power scripture has in realigning our views with a divine perspective. This episode offers pathways to engage more deeply with the world, underscoring the significance of replacing judgment with observation and the ripple effect it has on building trust and reducing conflict. Join me as we peel back the layers of our perceptions, encouraging a reevaluation of the lenses through which we see our lives and the people within it.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:04

Hey, welcome to the bartender's perspective. I'm so happy to have you here. Work is done for the day. Pull up a chair, have a seat, I'll pour you a drink and let's get started. In tonight's podcast, I want to talk about specifically something I've been trying to achieve after so many years of doing like the rest of the world. I want to talk about seeing the world for what it is and what people perceive it to be. What, explore the concept, to give some different real world examples from my own travels, some perspectives of the world currently, some scriptural examples of this topic, and give my final thoughts.

Speaker 1: 0:52

So it's easy to get caught up in the narratives that surround us Societal norms, expectations and the perception through which others view the world. But what if we could take a step back to see the world unfiltered? I know what lies beneath the surface. Our perceptions often shape our reality, but how accurate are they? Think about the times you've challenged your own beliefs or questioned the status quo. It's in those moments that we begin to see the absolute truth. Society has formed this perception of the world in various forms for political ideals, diversity, religion, including how other world societies live, the field of social services to encountering people in the service industry, as far as the employees, the guests and the customers. For many, it can begin within yourself, believe it or not, and how you perceive yourself. How about I don't think I'm smart enough and I only have a high school diploma? It's a common example for many that hinder them for looking for something past a fast food job? Or what about if they didn't even finish high school? Well, take a look at David Karp. You know Karp. He's the founder of Tumblr, a micro blogging and social networking platform. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and was homeschooled before starting Tumblr at the age of 21. He obviously didn't adhere to this perception and look where he is today.

Speaker 1: 2:48

I know I'm an expert and I know everything. Look at Thomas Edison. Despite his numerous accomplishments, his rigid approach and resistance to new ideas led to missed opportunities, like the development of alternating current electricity. This is a good one. I'm waiting for the right time is a pretty common statement these days. Just a simple example of this you know, think of a person who delayed pursuing their passion for writing. They were waiting for the quote I'm doing quote fingers perfect moment. But it's time past, opportunities to publish and share, their work dwindled and ultimately they missed out on potential success because of a perception they had of themselves I don't have enough experience to advance. Yet. If you're already holding on to that perception, you know that you aren't qualified enough to try new things or to learn new skills, how are you ever going to get that experience in the first place? You know, when you watch opportunity after opportunity pass you by as less qualified candidates get the job because you emit a defeat without even applying. Remember the other skills, such as the willingness to learn, you know can be just as important as the experience itself. You know great example, I think a perception, and I think in this case you know it's. For me it took just a little bit of education.

Speaker 1: 4:35

That was my trip to the Czech Republic many years ago. You know I like to go into situations like that, being prepared, you know, because I'd heard over the years that certain societies like you know, like the French are rude, or you know do's and don'ts, like it's not polite to point in Japan. So I thought I felt it worth researching, you know, the society of the Czech Republic and I'm glad I did, because you know when we got into that country I literally heard the word thank you twice the entire time I was there. People bump into you in the street. You know I saw a woman almost get run over by a car going 50 through the city center. You know we went looking for the post office so I could mail my father a postcard and this woman got so mad. I mean we got outside and she pushed us away from the building. It's and you know, the perception in this case maybe by the American standard is that you know those people were rude, they were just outright awful. You know, I even saw a few instances where women were being subservient to the men in their country. But here's the thing, y'all, that's a perception.

Speaker 1: 6:05

When I did my research about the country I learned early on, the Czech Republic. You know their society. They don't have time for manners, please thank you, any of those things you know. They just don't have time for that. They're just a straightforward, very blunt society. You know, unfortunately, the that old sexist adage you know, from my perspective, that women only belong in the kitchen. It sadly still applies from what I've seen in the Czech Republic and from the research that I did ahead of time. You know it still goes back to a professor that told me that it helps to travel the world, see how other societies live. And you know I'm glad in this case. You know I got to have that experience because it changed, you know, my perspective about what I would have otherwise taken as this perception, a preconceived notion that their entire society is just rude and downright awful, with no consideration for others. So I'm really glad that I took the time to do my research ahead of time and my professor was right. I did change my way. You know how I saw the world.

Speaker 1: 7:27

So, yeah, I've had a lot of guests who were social workers lately, who have shared a lot of horror stories about having to take children from their parents, and one in particular. You know he's in charge of placement for new kids and prospective parents. He came in a few days ago I didn't even know he was in social work after we talked about the world for a little bit. Part of what he told me is what led up to this podcast episode tonight. You know I'm giving him a shout out for sharing his story with me.

Speaker 1: 8:00

As I understood it, you know he was frustrated with his job because when he was interviewing potential parents for child placement. You know he hands them this thick packet on the prospective child that gives information about the child and you know the things that they have done. And he told me that a lot of parents read the information about the child and what they have done and just declined right then. And there His frustration was this perception that these parents have about what they read about these children. They're so quick to have these preconceived notions about what they read about these children. They're so quick to have this preconceived notion about what these children have done that they don't take the time to see them for who they are and ask themselves why is that child that way? They don't want to understand what that child went through and where they came from, that they ended up that way. They might have come from multiple foster homes, been passed around like garbage, when all they ever wanted to do was to be loved and understood. It broke my heart to hear what he had to say. You know this story.

Speaker 1: 9:17

You know one piece that's paramount to tonight's episode. This is just one example of what can happen when someone forms these perceptions about someone without putting aside you know those notions aside and to see what really is. Has anyone been in this situation. Can you relate to the situation? Were the prospective parents wrong to have been so quick to dismiss these kids? I'll leave it up to you to decide.

Speaker 1: 9:45

So in the service industry, perceptions and preconceived notions they do run rampant. You know, from our side I hear the complaints about everything from getting on one top to the only one waters and nothing else. You know want to want to pad those checks. You know all of my coworkers. You know they want to make money and I deeply respect that. I do. As far as being, you know we need to make a living. I am genuinely curious about everyone that walks through our doors. You know I sigh because it's just something I think about.

Speaker 1: 10:16

I had to do that dramatic pause. Well, I'm interested in what people want to eat and drink. I really do want to know how people are doing. I'm not perfect and I'm good at drinking. I'm not perfect. I'm not perfect. I'm not perfect, I'm not perfect, I'm not perfect and I'm flawed as well. But I work to leave out my preconceived notions about the person in persons and try to see them for who they really are. It helps me to connect with that person on a more personable level and provide them better service. Thus, you know, of course, helping me out because I need to make a living. Sometimes I take too long, you know I do run my mouth. You know I'm totally guilty of that and it's gotten me in trouble a few times as I've kind of lose sight temporarily of the other job, other duties that need my attention.

Speaker 1: 11:16

But my point, you know, is try applying this topic in your everyday life. You know, whether it's in the service industry, you know, or whatever other profession that you're in, when you work with the public, ask yourself what can you learn to take away from this? I was really hesitant to do this one, but in the world of politics we have various things in terms of Democrats, republicans, independence, you know, etc. I hear at the bar all the time in everyday life, politics in and of itself has got its own narrative, but the focus here lies with how one side sees the other. I have seen time and time again people get into arguments and even fights when one person meets another person who has a different political view. Youtube and social networking as a whole have reported on people getting to the point of gunning someone down in the street purely because they're either Democratic or Republican, for no other reason than they simply have different points of views. Why do these acts of violence occur over simply having a different political view? What perception did that person have at that time? I will tell you, I'm not much for politics. You never know who you were dealing with these days. So when they come through that door I'm cautious.

Speaker 1: 12:56

People today, for the most part, but not in all cases, not in all cases, you know make it a point to let you know they are not okay with the decision you make in politics, even when you neither asked nor required their opinion. A dear friend of mine asked me the other day how I felt about a political candidate. My simple answer I just wanted someone to take care of our country, and I know there's so much more to it. But at the time I just wanted to keep my answer simple. So, as far as how I felt or looked at the individual as a person, I Gave my point of view, as I wanted to make it clear the distinction. I Know many who were deeply passionate and on fire with their political views, and I respect that. You know and that is your right.

Speaker 1: 13:49

But the takeaway from this you're looking at a perception of someone or something in politics. Just for a moment, remove the politics, you know, just for a second, to see what is beyond those perceptions and see what is left, without any preconceived notions. What do you see as could just think about that? That's all Religious beliefs. You know this is another tough one. Yeah, you know I'm always has to talk about these things because, again, what I'm so when I say is not doctrine. You know I'm not signing or making you know, trying to prove anything, it's just my perspective, y'all.

Speaker 1: 14:32

I myself I grew up Roman Catholic, you know, but I've spoken to many other people who I respect and here, at a different religions, I believe systems, you know they've helped me grow more as a person over the years. You know, for me to put away my notions and perceptions, you know from my own upbringing and to Give other sides a chance, you know, to show understanding, to be able to look at things with a clear mind. Your Christianity, judaism, buddhism, islam, hinduism, you know, and on and on and on and on. Scientology even, you know, described as a religion to help people use scientific approaches to self actualize their full potential. You know believers reach their full potential when they understand themselves and the true relationship to the physical universe. You know, but it's an important to note Each one has their own set of ideals, beliefs, principles and moral values that shape and define for many.

Speaker 1: 15:40

But my question to you can you remove the worldly perceptions of each one, or Any preconceived notions, and take a moment to see the value of what lies beneath the person and idea or principle, to see what it actually is? What can you see past a religious belief? What things in your life have you seen through the lens of perception or preconceived notions and religion? What might you see as a result of removing your perception to religion? And a lot of people they shed religion in favor of seeking a higher power, greater than themselves. You know, because for a lot of people it's just, it's a constraint religion. But I leave the question for you to decide for yourselves as a.

Speaker 1: 16:33

It's a complicated one, but definitely something to ponder on. So let's take a moment for scripture, as I always do, to see what it had to say about a perception and preconceived notion, proverbs 1215 the way of a fool is right in his own, in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Philippians 4, 8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Proverbs 14-12,. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. And lastly, matthew 16,. Excuse me, matthew 6, 26,. I was thinking of another scripture. Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Speaker 1: 18:08

One great way to change our perceptions here at least in scriptural terms there might not be reality anyways is to be in the Word of God on a daily basis. That can change our human perception to a godly perspective. The Word of God has real affectual power, while our perceptions do not. Maybe that's why these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica and they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Acts 17-11, for those of you who are interested. Their perception was changed forever, and so were their souls, because they began to see the mind of God as revealed in scripture. And the more you're exposed to the Word of God, the more the Word of God changes your perception, and always for the better.

Speaker 1: 19:09

So a few key things to think about as we wrap up that you can try when you're out there in the world doing your thing out there in the jungle. One thing you can use, you know, is to try just observation. It's stating what you see which is usually an accurate depiction of an event. Perception is the conclusion you make based on your own biases. This is a perspective you can have when you're distinguishing an event, when you're making an observation and when you have a perception of a certain event. Oftentimes, you know, this is not given much thought and operating on our assumptions can be quite dangerous. It could cause conflict, you know, confusion and, worst of all, mistrust.

Speaker 1: 20:06

So when I stop it, you know that we ventured into tonight, it's crucial to acknowledge the seeing the world for what it is. It takes courage, the courage to question, to challenge, you know, to break free from the comfort of conformity. It's a journey that I am continuing to aspire to myself, to work towards authenticity and a genuine connection with the world around me, beyond perception. Now, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with perception, there's not. I'm merely pointing out to shedding a preconceived notion about someone or something and take the time to see what actually is Doing. So will allow us to unveil, you know, the inherent essence of our world. But challenging our perceptions, we open doors to understanding and, ultimately, a deeper connection with realities. We know it.

Speaker 1: 21:14

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