OKOMFO-BLACK IN
“DELUSIONS PERSPECTIVES”
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND TRUTHA special edition will be available on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023 at assumptagh.live/.”
“DELUSIONS PERSPECTIVES”
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND TRUTH
I was born and raised in Ghana, specifically in Accra Labadi military base, and I attended the “Penny Wise International School ” in Teshie Accra. This move significantly impacted my life, altering my perceptions in various ways. Perceptions, though real and true to us, cannot always be fully trusted. There exist gaps between what we perceive and what others perceive, as well as gaps between our perceptions and reality. These gaps in perception can potentially lead us to feel robbed. The only means to bridge this perception gap is through truth and understanding.
OKOMFO -BLACK
It sounds like your experience of living in Accra Labadi military base and attending Penny Wise International School in Teshie Accra had a profound impact on you.
Indeed, perceptions can be powerful and shape our understanding of the world. It’s important to recognize that our perceptions may not always align with reality or the perceptions of others. These gaps can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or even incidents where we might feel “robbed” in a metaphorical sense. To bridge these gaps, seeking truth and understanding is crucial. By being open-minded, empathetic, and willing to communicate, we can work towards a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the world around us.
How can gaps in perception lead to misunderstandings?
TSASI:
Gaps in perception can lead to misunderstandings because individuals perceive and interpret information differently based on their unique perspectives, experiences, and biases. These gaps can arise from differences in cultural backgrounds, language barriers, cognitive biases, or incomplete information. When people fail to fully understand each other’s perspectives, miscommunication can occur, leading to misunderstandings and confusion. It’s important to be aware of these gaps and actively engage in effective communication, empathy, and clarification to bridge the differences and foster better understanding.
Certainly! Here’s a short experience illustrating how gaps in perception can lead to misunderstandings:
During a team meeting, Kukuaa, an extroverted team member, enthusiastically presented her innovative idea. However, Kofi, a more introverted colleague, seemed disengaged and quiet. Kukuaa perceived his silence as disapproval, assuming Kofi didn’t like her idea. Unbeknownst to Kukuwaa, Kofi was simply processing the information internally and needed more time to formulate his thoughts.
This misperception created a gap in understanding, leading Kukuwaa to feel discouraged and misunderstood. Later, when Kukuwaa approached Kofi to discuss his concerns, she realised that he actually found her idea intriguing and had valuable input to contribute. The incident highlighted how their different communication styles and perceptions had caused a temporary misunderstanding between them.
OKOMFO-BLACK :
“Thank you for sharing that experience. It’s a great example of how misperceptions can lead to misunderstandings, even among well-intentioned individuals. It reminds us of the importance of open communication and seeking clarification to avoid jumping to conclusions. Understanding and appreciating different perspectives can help foster better collaboration and empathy within teams.”
In my case, whenever I ventured far from home to play, I experienced significant anxiety and often felt unsafe. Playing close to home offered a sense of respite, as I could hear my mother’s voice when she called my name, and I would quickly respond by walking a few steps. This proximity created a perception of safety for me.
However, one day, as I was returning home from my friend’s house, I noticed something peculiar. In the middle of the driveway, lay my mother’s clothes. I found it strange because the air was calm, with no strong wind blowing. I picked up the clothes from the driveway and brought them back to my mother.
She exclaimed, “Where did you find my clothes?” It was perplexing. Perhaps I had been carrying them somewhere, and they accidentally fell out of my bag she said. I handed them over to my mother, but I couldn’t shake off my lingering doubts.
Suddenly, my father intervened and informed my mother that the clothes had been blown away by the wind because he had hung them on the rope. This revelation interrupted my swirling thoughts, flooding me with a range of emotions.
Shock overwhelmed me as I realised that we could have been robbed in broad daylight while I was at my friend’s house. Guilt crept in, questioning whether it was my fault or my father’s for leaving the main door open. Fear gripped me, knowing that nobody had bothered to lock the main gate while I was away, leaving the possibility of harm if the thief had entered our home.
To bridge the perception gap, I needed to face the truth and acknowledge that accidents happen. It was crucial for me to be more vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure my safety.
TSASI
“Thank you for understanding and providing your insight. It was a challenging experience for You, but you’ve learned the importance of being cautious and taking necessary precautions to ensure your safety. It’s crucial to address perception gaps and communicate openly with your family to prevent misunderstandings in the future. I appreciate your support and guidance.”
OKOMFO-BLACK
I want to share another experience with you to help understand the power of perception.
Oneday, as I sat on the bus, engrossed in my book, a young boy boarded with his mother. He wore a pair of oversized sunglasses and carried a small toy telescope. Curiosity sparked within me as I wondered what he could be observing with such enthusiasm. Unable to contain my curiosity, I struck up a conversation with the mother.
She explained that her son had developed a fascination with space and wanted to explore the world through his makeshift telescope. Despite knowing that his toy couldn’t reveal the distant galaxies he dreamed of, he clung to his vision with unwavering delight. It struck me then that his perspective was not tethered to reality but to the boundless imagination of a child.
In that moment, I realised the power of perception and how it can shape our experiences. The boy’s unwavering belief in the possibilities of his toy telescope mirrored the way our own perceptions can sometimes diverge from reality. It reminded me that our views are not always bound by facts but can be coloured by our desires, fears, and dreams.
This brief encounter on a bus opened my eyes to the intricate dance between perception and truth. It reminded me to approach the world with curiosity, to challenge my own biases, and to appreciate the beauty in the diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of reality.
TSASI
What a beautiful and introspective experience on the bus! It’s fascinating how a chance encounter can provide such profound insights. Observing the young boy’s unwavering belief in his toy telescope reminds us that our perceptions can transcend the limitations of reality and tap into the power of imagination. It’s a reminder to embrace curiosity, challenge our biases, and appreciate the diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of the world.
Certainly! The encounter on the bus holds relevance in our world today in several ways.
Firstly, it highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity and imagination, especially in the face of challenges and limitations. In a world often characterised by scepticism and cynicism, maintaining a sense of wonder and exploring possibilities can lead to innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Secondly, the story reminds us of the power of perspective and how it shapes our understanding of reality. In today’s information age, we have access to an overwhelming amount of data and opinions, which can sometimes lead to polarised views and echo chambers. Embracing diverse perspectives, challenging our own biases, and seeking alternative viewpoints can help us gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Lastly, the encounter emphasises the beauty of embracing our dreams and aspirations, even if they may seem out of reach. The boy’s imagination allowed him to find joy and excitement in a toy telescope, despite its limitations. Similarly, in our world today, it’s important to hold onto our dreams, pursue our passions, and find joy in the journey, even when faced with obstacles or societal expectations.
Overall, the story serves as a gentle reminder to approach the world with an open mind, nurture our sense of wonder, appreciate diverse perspectives, and pursue our dreams with unwavering enthusiasm.
“Devotion to one’s dreams and aspirations is the driving force that propels us forward on the path of growth and transformation. Just as the young boy on the bus clung to his vision with unwavering delight, we too must hold fast to our dreams, even in the face of challenges and limitations. It is through the power of determination and unwavering belief in our own potential that we can transcend the boundaries of reality and create a brighter future.” – SGI-President Ikeda Thank you OKOMFO-BLACK for joining today’s dialogue with me.
