Perception is the Key to Transformation

(of Reality)
By Nikolay Kindrat
August 2010

image: Alex Grey – Wonder

~*~

Part 1.

The Process of Perception.

When we look at an object, our perception mechanisms perform several actions:

1. We focus our attention
2. We recognize an object
3. We recall it’s name
4. We recall memories related to this object.
We were born an empty cup, eager to learn, explore and interact with the World around us. We learned
the names of thousands of objects, processes, places, events and people. As a result of all that learning
and discovery we have a “copy” of the Universe in our heads. It’s not an exact copy, but a reference
between our experiences and interpretations of these experiences. Thus, we can have a concept of ‘dog’
related with the concept of a ‘pet’ and at the same time with a concept of ‘danger’, if we have ever been
attacked or scared by one.

In the course of life our observations and interpretations form a Model of Reality, Reality as We
experienced it. This Model is hard-wired (but not permanently) in our neural system, and it forms our
Personality.

This Model contains all the descriptions of all the objects known to us, and their interpretations. Internal
and External.

Most of the time we are not aware of our Mind-Models. But they determine how we think, act and
perceive Reality.

We become more aware of our Model when:

1. There is an Internal or External Conflict
2. Some new Important discovery is made that doesn’t fit into our Model
3. When old ways don’t work anymore
4. Some major changes happen in the Society we live in
5. Major changes in our Psychology

These are just some of the examples, but anything that pushes our boundaries or opens new horizons has
the potential of showing us how we’re wired.

Our Model can be limiting or open; static or dynamic; simple or complex… there are as many Models as
there are people that have lived on Earth, potentially an infinite number. There are also Systems to
analyze and classify these Models. Some of these Systems belong to various schools of Psychology,
some have Esoteric or Spiritual origins, and some are based on Science. The main reason such systems
form is because of the idea of Unity, the notion that we all - human, animal, alien, alive and unanimated
– we all have something in common. And the purpose of these systems is to discover these basic blocks
of life.

The main thing to understand about Models of Reality is that they are arbitrary and incomplete by
definition, no matter how pitched or praised they are, none of them reflect Reality in its fullness. You can
think about them as maps, and try to have this attitude towards them as well. The purpose of the Model is
not to teach anyone about anything, nor is it to propagate the views of the Model, as is usually done by
the followers of the Model, but to Organize Reality within a certain set of Parameters or Characteristics.

If we start Believing in our own or other people’s Models, we close all the windows and doors in our
mind-house and breath the same air for the rest of our days.

Basically, if we Believe in an Idea, but don’t attempt to verify it’s validity, and do not allow other points
of view on the subject, we get more and more outdated (new discoveries are made every day), more and
more insecure (since we’ll have to defend our idea), more and more unhappy (since we separated
ourselves from the rest of the world), more and more delusional (any fixation, like a bend in a mirror,
distorts the whole picture).

Be in the Flow and Adapt to Reality as it Changes.

 Part 2.

Model of Reality as a Navigation System.

Imagine a Tree. What is it made of? What processes make the tree alive?
What are the needs of the tree and what does it give back to the Environment it lives in?

The tree is aware of sunlight, water resources and air, the soil it grows in, insects and parasites that
bother or help it, birds and animals that pass by and interact with the tree.

Now, if that tree could walk, it would have to have a navigation system – to know where and why to go
anywhere. That navigation system would have to work with the basic needs of the tree – sunlight, air,
soil, water, etc.

Basically, a Human is like a walking tree with a highly developed navigation system. Our navigation
system is our Model of Reality, it tells us where to go, what to do, how to behave, etc.

But there are many Models that are unhealthy, as they disregard basic needs of the human being.

Let’s take a moment to look at the needs of an average human being.

 For our body to function properly we need proper food, water, air and sunlight, rest and exercise,
and shelter from the harsh environment. All that falls under survival categories and is common to
most animals.
 Sexual activity, although it is not vital for the survival of a single individual, it is vital for the
continuation of the species. Sexual function has other important roles, both physical and
psychological.
 Next we have our Intellectual function. To function in modern society it’s proper use and
development is as vital as the skill to hunt and make fire was for the cavemen.
 Emotional Intelligence allows us to be more aware of our own emotions and feelings as well as
those of the people around us.
 Dreaming and Imagination take us to the realms of Collective Subconscious, Spiritual, Shamanic
and Paranormal experiences. It’s the source of our Creative Energy and as some say, a gateway to
other worlds and Parallel Realities.
 Self-awareness and Consciousness, the ability to direct Awareness both inside and outside is
perhaps the pinnacle of Human development.

A good Model would include all the factors above, describe how they inter-relate, their functions and
methods to improve them. It would also include knowledge of the outside world and suggest a mutually
beneficial co-existence. It would also allow space for error and future improvements.

So, there you go, now you have a Blueprint for Your Own Model of Reality. You don’t need to pay
monthly memberships, change faith, become a believer or participate in strange rituals – Reality is, and
always will be, at YOUR fingertips.

Give It a Heart-Felt Hug!

~*~
image: Alex Grey - Adi Da Samraj