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The ocean can look very different, depending on whether you are
standing at the shore, soaring above in a plane, or swimming beneath its
waves. Likewise, a mountain can look very different relative to where you are
standing. Each living thing sees the world from its unique vantage point.
While from your window you may be seeing what looks like a huge shrub, a bird
in its nest is getting an intimate view of that tree's leafy interior.
Meanwhile, a beetle sees only a massive and never-ending tree trunk. Yet all
three of you are looking at the same tree.
Just as a shadow that is concealed from one point of view is easily seen from
another, it is possible to miss a fantastic view. That is, unless you are
willing to see what's in front of you through different eyes. Seeing the
world from another perspective, whether spatially or mentally, can introduce
you to all sorts of hidden treasures. The root of the discovery process often
lies in finding another way of looking at the world. The common human
reaction to insects is one example. Spinning its web in a dark corner, a
spider may seem drab, frightening, and mysterious. But seen up close weaving
silver snowflakes between the branches of a tree, they can look like colored
jewels.
Sometimes, there are experiences in life that from your vantage point may
seem confusing, alarming, or worrisome. Or there may be events that look
insignificant from where you are standing right now. Try seeing them from
another point of view. Bury your face in the grass and look at the world from
a bug's vantage point. Explore your home as if you were a small child. Take a
ride in a small aircraft and experience the world from a bird's eye view.
Just as kneeling down sometimes helps you see more closely when you are
looking for lost treasure, so can standing back help you appreciate the
broader picture of what you are looking at. In doing so, you'll experience
very different worlds.
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