How do I know my Truth is true – or might it be . . . ?

Do you ever stop to ask yourself if the thoughts you’re thinking are true? This reminds me of the old commercial for Memorex video tapes – “Is it Live or is it Memorex?” Our new slogan might be, “Is it Truth or is it my Perception of Truth?”

We cling to our Truths like they’re our life raft in the middle of the ocean. We define our lives by what we consider our Truths. So, yes, one of my truths is that it’s pretty important to question my thoughts and beliefs — “Is this True or is it my Perception of Truth?”

Oxford Dictionary says:

Truth: A fact or belief that is accepted as true.

Perception: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.

Definitely no black and white in these definitions – there’s a lot of gray that leaves our Truths open to questioning. This makes sense, at least to me, when considering all the information and experiences our brain and body have been bombarded with throughout our life that have defined our Truths. A few examples:

1. You perceive your existence on all your experiences that have come before – and there’s been a lot of them.
2. Your programming by your parents and teachers beliefs – starting at birth.
3. Religious programming
4. Textbooks you digested so you could pass your exams.
5. Work environment
6. Newspapers and Magazines
7. Television
8. Movies
9. Internet
10. Friends

Let’s talk about friends for a minute – this can be a sticky one for a couple of reasons.

1. It may be so important that you like me that I will go along with your truth even if it doesn’t feel right for me. 
2. I need you to perceive my Truth as yours because I want to feel validated.

The need to be right is rampant, even with little things. We get into arguments and debates with friends and colleagues desperate to convince them our Truth is the only Truth, and it should be accepted by everyone. What a crazy thought!

Each of our unique experiences and programming are what define our Perceptions of Truth – no two are the same. You live in Wisconsin and tell me how beautiful summer is while I’m dreading how many days will be over 110° this summer in Arizona. Our perceptions on summer will never merge.

Just imagine how rich our relationships will be when we stop judging, and instead accept and appreciate the rainbow of colors in our diversity.

There is one more question I want to share with you. I find it important to ask it once I realize that what I am believing is Truth is really my Perception of Truth:

How stuck am I on that position — how resistant am I to moving off my position and letting it go?

Even when coming to the realization it may not be true – just my perception based on past experiences or things I’ve heard or read. It’s kind of like, “well I’ve believed this way most of my life” – at least part of me says it must be Truth.

This is the time to remember there is always the wiser part of us – the part of us aligned with Source/God that knows differently. It is time to listen, to have the courage to shift our position and embrace a new Truth.