Shifting Perspectives

My reading over the last week has given me cause to reflect on the importance of one's perspective.  I recently finished "Home" by Marilynne Robinson, an outstanding read, and am currently reading Jennifer Egan's "A Visit From the Goon Squad." 

Perspective comes into play in "Home" as it is a follow up to Robinson's prior novel, "Gilead."  In "Gilead," the story was told from the perspective of John Ames, an aging minister writing a letter to his son.  Throughout the novel/letter, one comes to know Ames' good friend, another aging minister, Robert Boughton, who lives with his daughter Glory, and whose often lost son, John Ames Boughton, returns.  In "Home," the story is told from the perspective of Glory.  As a result, one gains a different image of Glory herself, as well as Reverend Boughton and his son, known as Jack.

In Egan's work, perspective comes in as each chapter of the book is narrated or relayed from the perspective of a different character, often times taking a few pages to identify the character and see how he/she relates to the other characters and the overall trajectory of the narrative.  I'm still making my way through this book, but I think it presents a similar undercurrent to Robinson's "Home," which is to say, perspective matters.

Perspective matters.  In the context of these two works, the shifting perspective is from one storyteller to another; from one individual to another.  I often think of the oft used car accident analogy from my law school days - a person on the Southwest corner of an intersection and a person on the Northeast corner of an intersection both witness an accident; the same accident; yet their accounts may very well be different simply due to location, not to mention other extraneous factors that may come into play, such as distractions, lighting, obstructions, etc.  An event happens, but one's perspective on that event is often unique, even as compared to others who have experienced that same event.

But I shift this discussion in my head...while these books bring to the forefront the obvious perspective shift from individuals, I am particularly interested in perspective shifts within individuals.  What changes about the world, about other individuals, about one's relationships, one's career, and so on when an individual shifts his/her internal perspective on things.  These types of question have been weighing on my mind as of late, and have been brought to the forefront lately with the reading of these books, as well as the passing of Jackie's grandfather (who, as I mentioned in a previous post, had such a positive perspective towards things).

Taking this inquiry personally and inwardly, how would my life be better served by attempting to avoid my negative tendencies, and seeking a positive outlook.  I often think that much of life is neutral, or even un-changing, and what changes is our reaction to such, controlled by our particular perspective at any given time. This can apply to simple things - is going for a walk this evening going to be painful on my knees and uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity, or a nice opportunity to get fresh air, spend some time conversing with Jackie, and getting the dog exercised.  I would posit that both are true statements about the event, but whichever statement I focus on and adopt becomes my meaning for the event, and while both are true, I think most would argue that the second is "better."  It can also apply to the larger things in life, relationships with loved ones and friends, managing a home and finances, community involvement, and the like.  One's perspective doesn't change truth, or the reality of certain events and existence as a whole, but I think it can significantly change the meaning of those events (and existence), and the results of those events (and existence).

I am curious to see if any noticeable change would occur in my life if I made conscious efforts to be that more positive individual, to suppress, so to speak, my natural inclination towards negativity.  Ultimately, there is only one way to find out.

"In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient as the clouds." - Robert Green Ingersoll