Our Perspective Is the Supreme Ruler of Our Mind—But Our Mind Can Rule It Too

Shifting perspective is key to finding joy when your worldview causes suffering—a deep change in how you perceive and interact with life.

Me gazing at the peaceful summer view of the vast Yukon River from a hilltop. | Photo taken with tripod

Perspective is the supreme ruler of our mental existence, and we are but subjects to its reign. From the moment we begin to perceive and comprehend the world around us, which typically emerges during our earliest years of childhood—whether at one, two, or three years old—we commence the intricate process of constructing our unique perspectives about everything that surrounds us.

These perspectives we develop can manifest in various forms. Some perspectives illuminate our path with clarity and wisdom, while others may be fragmented or distorted, and still others might be fundamentally flawed. Our lives are invariably filtered through these perspectives, and those fortunate enough to cultivate positive, expansive viewpoints often lead fulfilling lives. Conversely, when our perspectives remain confined and limited, influenced by narrow experiences and restricted thinking, we find ourselves constrained in our ability to grow and achieve. This fundamental truth underscores why perspective truly shapes everything in our existence.

To illustrate this profound concept, consider two contrasting scenarios. Picture someone blessed with material abundance, residing in luxurious surroundings and encompassed by seemingly wonderful people. However, if this person develops a perspective that their life is devoid of genuine happiness, believing those around them harbor malicious intent, this negative outlook will inevitably poison their experience of life, regardless of their external circumstances or material comforts. Conversely, imagine someone leading a modest existence who has cultivated a perspective that embraces and celebrates their simple lifestyle. Such a person, through their positive outlook, experiences a richness of life that transcends material wealth, finding contentment and fulfillment wherever their journey leads them.

Let me offer one more example to illustrate this fundamental truth about perspective. Canadian winters can be harsh, with biting cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and shortened daylight hours that persist for several months. If we maintain a perspective of hating winter—constantly complaining about the cold, dreading the snow, and counting down the days until spring arrives—we'll never truly enjoy life in Canada during these winter months. Each snowfall becomes a burden rather than a beauty, each cold day an ordeal rather than an opportunity. However, if our perspective shifts to embrace winter and snow—appreciating the pristine beauty of freshly fallen snow, engaging in winter sports like skiing or ice skating, or simply enjoying the cozy warmth of indoor gatherings—we experience the same country in a completely different way and enjoy life to the fullest. The physical reality of winter remains unchanged in both scenarios; what transforms is merely our internal perspective. Just shifting perspective can profoundly transform our experiences and quality of life, demonstrating once again how our outlook truly determines our reality.

The transformative power of perspective becomes profoundly evident when we carefully examine historical figures and contemporary leaders throughout the ages, each demonstrating how their unique worldviews shaped not only their personal destinies but also the course of human history. Consider, for instance, the compelling case of Alexander, whose perspective was tragically confined to the narrow pursuits of territorial conquest and military dominance, failing to embrace the broader possibilities of diplomatic relations and peaceful coexistence. His singular focus on expanding his empire and achieving worldwide recognition through force of arms, rather than through cultural or diplomatic achievements, ultimately led not to the satisfaction he desperately sought, but instead to a state of perpetual discontent that haunted him until his final days.

This is true in the modern world too. In different corners of the world, various conflicts and wars continue to be waged, with devastating consequences for civilian populations and regional stability. Upon closer examination, the core driving force behind many of these conflicts can often be traced back to the narrow perspectives held by individuals in positions of power and influence. These limited viewpoints frequently prioritize short-term political gains, territorial ambitions, or ideological dominance over the broader considerations of human welfare, sustainable peace, and collaborative prosperity. The inability or unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives or to recognize the legitimate concerns of opposing factions perpetuates cycles of violence that might otherwise be resolved through dialogue, compromise, and mutual understanding.

The good news is that we have the profound ability to shift our perspective whenever we choose to do so. This transformative power lies within our grasp, waiting to be harnessed. For instance, consider a situation where you find yourself experiencing persistent unhappiness simply because you perceive there are too many immigrants in your country. In such moments, it becomes valuable to broaden your perspective and recognize that the entire world has been historically constructed through the natural process of human migration. Since the very dawn of humanity, people have continuously moved from one geographical location to another in their relentless search for essential elements of survival—food, shelter, meaningful work, and overall better living conditions. If you were to embark on a fascinating journey exploring your own family's ancestral history—tracing it back 500 or even 1,000 years—I am virtually certain you would discover that your own ancestors migrated from one corner of the world to another for various compelling reasons. This deeper understanding and broader historical perspective has the remarkable potential to cultivate genuine love and compassion in your heart for newcomers to your community, as you come to recognize that we humans have always been a species in motion, seeking better opportunities across landscapes and generations.

Let me offer you some joy with a perspective-shifting video of mine. Four years ago, Gemma Leanne Blain traveled from the UK to explore the Yukon. Our paths crossed at Fish Lake of the Yukon. Gemma taught me Swing Jive dance, and I showed her how to dance Punjabi Bhangra. We hope our cultural mash-up brings a smile to your face:

If your worldview is causing you suffering, it becomes imperative to shift your perspective in order to rediscover joy and fulfillment in your life. This transformation isn't merely a superficial change but rather a fundamental reorientation of how you perceive and interact with the world around you. The beauty of this process lies in its accessibility—it requires neither extraordinary resources nor special training, but simply a willingness to see things differently. All you need to do is open your heart with genuine receptivity and allow new waves of thought, understanding, and experience to flow into your consciousness. By creating this space for fresh perspectives, you invite renewed joy to enter your life, replacing stagnant patterns of thinking that may have been limiting your happiness. This deliberate shift in perspective can illuminate aspects of your existence that were always present but perhaps overlooked, revealing beauty and meaning in places you least expected to find them.

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Dear reader,

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Cheerfully,

Gurdeep