Understanding Why Our Viewpoint Sometimes Changes: Causes Of Perceptual Variability

If something in your life seems to have characteristically changed, but a trusted source suggests otherwise; the following might lend some light to a murky moment. Please consider the many filters you can apply to photos or videos to create a completely different look, sound, or vibe. Did the original photo really change? Life delivers a limitless array of perceptual filters, and its impact is uniquely experienced by each of us. Did they really change, or is it me? If I understand the filter and remove it, will its object return to its pre-filtration state?

Why Do The Same Things Seem Different Sometimes?

Ever wonder why you see the same things differently across different times or situations? For some this happens more frequently, and with greater consequence, than for others. Vibrational, neurological, and contextual factors are among those often resulting in this sometimes confusing phenomenon. When clearly understood, such awareness can give us more control over our life and our choices. 

*The premises held within this treatise do not include causes naturally generated by academic or experiential learning, which are self explanatory (the reason we have a different perception is that we have learned something more about the subject).

Examples of Perceptual Variability

We have all held different viewpoints about the same people, places, or things at different times or in varying situations. This is especially common with people in relationships: intimate partner, family, friend, coworker, fellow student, teacher, neighbor, etc. It can also happen with places, like where we live, are considering vacationing, are thinking about relocating to,, etc. It can really apply to pretty much anything. Sometimes we see it one way, and sometimes another; when nothing about it has changed. So what was different about us?

For example, we may typically regard our partner as kind, caring, responsible, loving and trustworthy; and then at times see them as selfish, rude, lazy, mean, controlling and untrustworthy — when they have not done anything and nothing about them has changed. What happened, and how do we resolve the apparent differences? 

Or maybe your boss usually seems personable, fair, supportive and clear; and then sometimes mercenary, unfair, disloyal and confusing; and still other times saintly, overly generous, caring and championing of your cause; when nothing was objectively different about them during any of these perceptual variations. So it must have been you, right? What was different about the source of your perceptions? 

And sometimes you may love your home, see it as an accomplishment, find it comfortable and feel grateful for having it; and other times  hate it, see it as a personal failure, think of it as a prison and resent it; when nothing about it is any different. So what is different abut you?

*Many believe it is the object of their perception that has changed, not their perception of the unchanged object. This accounts for many relationship problems, and even breakups; as well as misunderstandings and misguided decisions about a variety of people, places and things in our lives.

Example Of A Rudimentary Causal Factor: Fight Or Flight

As we consider some of the causes of such perceptual variability, let’s start with the simplest, the shifting back and forth between safe mode (relaxation response) and survival mode (stress response). When triggered into the fight or flight response of survival mode, our thoughts, perceived possibilities and courses of action are suddenly limited to those associated with fighting against or running away from a threat (symbolically, emotionally, attitudinally, literally). When in this state, nothing seems the same as it did in safe mode, where our brain has access to the full range of thoughts, possibilities, and courses of action. Our perceptions of virtually everything are going to be different in survival mode than they were in safe mode. This dynamic is especially common for trauma survivors.

This is a concrete, or black and white, example of the cause of a perceptual variation.

Vibrational Shifting

To begin understanding the impact of vibrational frequency on our perception, let’s take a look at the seven primary chakras, and then move on to the complexities of higher consciousness. . 

There are seven solfeggio frequencies corresponding to the seven primary chakras. These include the Root Chakra (396 Hz), Sacral Chakra (417 Hz), Solar Plexus Chakra (528 Hz), Heart Chakra (639 Hz), Throat Chakra (741 Hz), Third Eye Chakra (852 Hz), and Crown Chakra (963 Hz). Perceptions occurring at each of these seven frequencies can be different from each other, as with the 2-level difference of survival mode and Safe Mode explained above. In fact, survival mode will likely be equivalent to the Root Chakra frequency, and safe mode to the highest frequency attained among the higher chakras. The vibrational frequency of our human consciousness creates the scope of our perception. To learn more about the seven solfeggio chakra frequencies, please click here.

So, in other words, if our consciousness is tuned into the Sacral Chakra (417 Hz) our perception will be more influenced by emotion, sensuality and creativity. Similarly, if we are dialed into the Third Eye Chakra (852 Hz) our perception will reflect intuition, insight, and wisdom. The higher the frequency the broader the perspective. 

When possessing this knowledge we can shift up to the highest level of awareness we have attained in order to gain the broadest perspective available to us. If we’re stuck in a lower vibrational moment, and can’t make the shift immediately, then we can at least recognize what is going on and set the situation aside until we’re able to make the shift (after we’ve relaxed and regained our energetic balance). 

Neurodiversity And The Vacillating View

Neurodiversity (e.g. autism spectrum) can result in sudden and dramatic perceptual shifts leading to meltdowns, poor decisions, and situational vulnerability. Since the source of the shifting is physical/neurological, not psychological/mental, the perceiver may emphatically believe their view correct, and may be unable to process anything else until recovering from the trigger effect. 

For example, if a neurodivergent husband who has an agreement with his partner that they will provide feedback regarding perceptual distortions, and who typically views them as loving and supportive for doing so, triggers above a certain level of anxiety; he might suddenly become angry, see his partner as trying to criticize or control him, lose sight of their agreement, and spiral out of control — when the partner is doing the same things they usually do. And then, once his anxiety has dropped below a certain threshold, he may again see them for who they are and again comprehend the roles per their agreement. 

Contextual Influences

The internal and external elements surrounding a situation can have a profound impact on our perception of it. For example, if you are alone or with a group of people, excited or relaxed, sober or under the influence of mind-altering substances etc.; you are likely to perceive the same people, places, or things differently without realizing the differences are in you. 

Other possible contextual causes include environmental influences like pollutants, neurotoxins and natural disasters; mental and emotional states such as bipolar disorder and anxiety;  or any situation that ebbs and flows with pressure and expectation (work, with or without deadline, school with or without finals, etc.).

Since everyone experiences such contextual influences differently, and has a unique way of resolving them if affected; it is difficult to discuss specific recovery patterns. Generally, whether consciously understood or not, most will return to their pre-influence perception once its effect has worn off. 

Summary

When something in your life seems to have characteristically changed, but a trusted source suggests otherwise; the changes in your perception could have been caused by a shift from safe to survival mode, fluctuating vibrational frequencies, neurodiversity, or contextual vacillation. Since many believe it is the object of their perception that has changed, not their perception of the unchanged object, consciously understanding the causes of such perceptual variability can give us more control over our life and our choices.

*The causes of perceptual variability referenced in this post are not intended to seem exhaustive, but rather a sample to orient us to greater self reflection, understanding and personal empowerment.