Which window are you being influenced through?

Hey there!

Just the other day, I was watching TV with my kids, lost in the magical world of playschool. Remember as a kid, that wonderful moment when you're asked to choose a window to peer through?  

This tiny playschool moment had me thinking. It made me reflect on how we’re often shown specific views in life, and how these views may need a clean. Which window should we look through first today?  

ARCH WINDOW - Political

Have you ever felt like politics is a grand theatre, where promises are the opening act, but the climax never really arrives? This window is often fogged up with big promises, yet the delivery often falls short. It’s like being told there's a surprise behind Door #1, only to find...well, not much.

And here's another kicker: instead of uniting for common goals, it's like watching a schoolyard showdown. "I'm better!" "No, I am!" While these quarrels make headlines, we're left wondering: When will collaboration trump competition?

Yet we are shown a view and told to pick sides. I don’t know about you but I often feel like closing the curtains on this window as I am often over what I see and hear.

🤔 Question: Over the last 12 months have you been left scratching your heads or frustrated by what we have been shown by those leading our country? 

DIAMOND WINDOW - Mainstream Media 

Ever get the feeling that the media has its fingers on the strings of society, orchestrating the narratives and dictating our emotions? Dive into this window and you'll often see a world painted with drama, where tragedies are spotlighted, and stories of value often left till the end of the show or at the bottom of the page.

It's no secret that bad news sells. The more alarming, the better for ratings. This has given rise to an era where sensationalism takes the front seat, and real, heartfelt stories are pushed to the back. Clickbait isn't just a strategy; it's become the norm. And amidst this, we, the audience, can sometimes feel like mere puppets, reacting on cue to the latest headline.

The media holds immense power. It can spark movements, shape perceptions, and shift public sentiment in an instant. But when this power focuses primarily on the negative, it's no wonder we find ourselves craving something positive.

📝 Activity: Grab a pen and paper and head to the homepage of a popular news website. Draw a line down the center of the paper. Label the left column "Negative (Fear, Shock or Sexual) News" and the right one "Valuable / Positive News." Tally up the headlines that fit into each category. Chances are, much of what you see will tilt heavily towards the left. Would my prediction of 80% in the negative category hold true for you?

CIRCLE WINDOW - The Digital Mirage

Ah, the digital age. A world where connections span continents and ideas spread in mere seconds. Yet, as you peer through this window, you're not just seeing the good; there's also a mirage of misconceptions and negative influence.

Here, even the tiniest spark can ignite a wildfire of opinions. A single tweet can escalate into a trending topic, and a candid photo might just spiral into a viral sensation. In this vast realm, everyone's a critic, a philosopher, an influencer. We've also given birth to "keyboard warriors," those who hide behind screens, throw a hand grenade of judgments and log off not realising the destruction they have caused.

It's fascinating, right? Digital platforms promised to democratise voices, to give each of us a stage. And in many ways, they have. But they've also created echo chambers, where people are exposed only to views that align with their own, leading to a skewed perception of reality.

From algorithms, paid posts to AI bots our digital social environments are not social anymore and are drifting us away from what they set out to do and that is to be connected with those we actually care about. 

🤔 Question: Have you ever found yourself drawn into a digital rabbit hole, falling in the trap of adding your opinion and getting your digital pants into a twist of rage or negative thoughts? 

Be very careful about what you see through this window as it is covered in sh*t.

SQUARE WINDOW - Past influences 

And finally our past, a set of beliefs that were given to us from our parents, teachers and those we looked up to. These foundations, while grounding, often come with inherited biases.

Now, don't get me wrong. Our roots? Super important. But it's also crucial to recognise when certain beliefs, passed down through generational thinking, might be clouding our vision today for a better future of tomorrow.

It's not about dismissing our past, but rather re-evaluating and refining our perspectives. Embracing the valuable, and gently setting aside what no longer serves us as individuals or what will progress us as a society.

📝 Activity: Fancy a quick reflection? List a few beliefs from your upbringing. Beside each, note if it still resonates today. It's an enlightening peek through your own square window!

Now, before you peek through any of these windows, next time CLEAN your thinking first to find the truth:

- Consider the source.

- Look for multiple viewpoints before casting an opinion.

- Explore without bias, go in with a willingness to understand and not reply.

- Actively seek truth by going on a proactive learning journey.

- Never settle for a single narrative.

Remember, life's windows will always offer views. It’s up to us to choose which ones to look through and how deeply to see. Embrace the challenge, trust your journey, and always be willing to discover the path that serves you and benefits society.

Stay curious and keep the spirit alive! 💪