French-Cuban writer and diarist Anaïs Nin once wrote, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.”

This simple yet profound observation resonates deeply, offering us a mirror to examine our perceptions, biases, and the filters through which we experience life.

Perception Is Personal

At first glance, the world appears to be a shared reality. We assume that everyone sees events, people, and challenges in the same way. But Nin’s words remind us that our inner world colors every interaction. Our past experiences, emotions, and even subconscious beliefs act as lenses, shaping how we interpret everything from a fleeting glance to a major life event.

Consider a moment of disagreement with someone. Often, it’s not just the situation that causes friction but the perspectives we bring to it. Are we responding with patience or defensiveness? Is the situation genuinely difficult, or are we projecting fears or frustrations onto it? Nin’s insight invites us to pause and reflect: Am I truly seeing things as they are, or am I seeing them through my own filters?

### The Yoga Connection: Clearing the Lens

In yoga philosophy, this idea mirrors the concept of *avidya* or ignorance. *Avidya* doesn’t mean a lack of intelligence; rather, it’s the misperception that arises when we fail to see reality clearly. Our minds cling to illusions or false understandings, leading us away from the truth and into cycles of dissatisfaction or conflict.

Yoga and mindfulness practices help us peel back these layers of misperception. Through asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, we create space to observe our thoughts without judgment. We begin to notice how our inner state shapes our outer experience. For instance, a challenging yoga pose can feel frustrating on a bad day but empowering on a good one. The pose hasn’t changed—*we* have.

Try the Yoga Nidra video below, which will gently guide you into a Loving Kindness meditation.

 The Transformative Power of Self-Awareness

Nin’s words also carry a hopeful message: If our perceptions are shaped by who we are, then transforming how we see ourselves can transform the way we see the world. Self-awareness becomes the key to shifting our perspective. By understanding our triggers, biases, and emotional patterns, we can respond to life with greater clarity and compassion.

This doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of the world. Instead, it’s about approaching those realities with an open heart and a clear mind. When we strip away the filters of fear, anger, or judgment, we can engage with the world as it truly is—and find beauty, even in its imperfections.

Practising Perspective in Daily Life

How do we apply this wisdom day to day? Here are a few simple practices:

1. Pause Before Reacting: In moments of tension, take a breath and ask yourself, “What am I bringing into this situation?”

2. Practice Self-Inquiry: Journaling or meditating on questions like, “What assumptions am I making?” or “How might my perspective be limited?” can be eye-opening.

3. Cultivate Empathy: Try to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Their reality may be shaped by experiences vastly different from your own.

4. Return to the Breath: When emotions cloud your vision, grounding yourself with deep breaths can help you reset and regain perspective.

Seeing the World Anew

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” This phrase isn’t just a reminder of our biases—it’s an invitation. An invitation to grow, to reflect, and to transform how we engage with life. By working on the lens through which we see the world, we can uncover deeper truths about ourselves and embrace the world with greater clarity, compassion, and grace.

So, the next time life feels challenging or unclear, take a moment to look inward. The clarity you seek might not be in the world around you, but in the way you choose to see it.

*Anaïs Nin (1903–1977) was a French-Cuban writer and diarist renowned for her deeply introspective and lyrical works. Her most famous writings include her extensive journals, which provide rich insights into her thoughts on art, relationships, and the human psyche. Nin is celebrated for her unique perspective on life, emphasizing self-discovery, emotional depth, and the complexities of human experience. Her quote about perception reflects her ability to articulate profound truths about the inner workings of the mind and its influence on how we interpret the world.