By Glenn Laycock, Manitoba
We have all probably seen this happen – you are watching a news program where the News Anchor does not realize the camera is ON – and what they are doing is being observed over the airwaves.
Recently, I watched a segment on TV – where this News Anchor was totally unaware that he was being broadcast live. He did not face the camera; he stooped over his laptop making faces, rubbing his chin, goofing around with co-workers off screen; slouching – and looking more ordinary then professional.
The impression I had of this man was one of – inexperience, unprofessionalism, disorganization, confusion, unfocussed – well you get the point.
After a commercial, when the show continued and the News Anchor was in his correct “presentation mode” – it was as if I was watching a totally different person. He looked directly at the camera, looked confident with good posture and deep voice.
The reality was that nothing had changed except his News Anchor’s manner of expression. How did I get two totally different “impressions” about this person? Somehow my mental scrutiny had let me down as I was accepting two vastly different realities about the same person. How did this happen? What was going on?
Perhaps it is a reflection of our society that somehow sees “reality” in what is inside “People Magazine” or on “Reality TV” programs. –– which actually give us the a smallest peek at the true “reality” taking place, where a camera, director, camera man, sound and mike man, lights and reflectors, production, editing and make up department are all present or represented but not perceived to be there.
So how did I counterbalance this perception shortcoming? The first step I took was to be more aware of the effects and the limitations of physical perception. Next, I had to understand that my cognitive abilities and intellect could function continuously so that I could be alerted to those shortcomings inherent with my perception. Common sense had become simply not thinking beyond the surface “headline” of the situation, and I wanted to be “more perceptive” then that.
I often have played games that easily (and laughably) showed how limited our physical senses are. One that comes to mind is the drawing of Marilyn Monroe which as you stand back suddenly looks like Albert Einstein. In any case, I know that the reality that I want to be more aware of is spiritual, which means that I see my consciousness as being far more reliable then relying on my physical senses in defining my entire reality.
As a Christian Scientist, I also work to know that my consciousness is based on reflecting the intelligence and wisdom of a perfect creator – perfect God.
The more attuned I am to that infinite spiritual potential, the less likely I am to be sold a phoney bill of goods my physical sense often try to sell me.
