When considering how emotions affect perception, most of us would agree that our emotions play a crucial role in shaping how we see the world around us. Our emotional state seems to act as a lens through which we interpret our surroundings.
How do we see the world when we are happy?
Research suggests that when we experience joy or excitement, our perception of the world often becomes more vibrant and engaging. We are more likely to notice the beauty in our surroundings and mundane tasks can feel more enjoyable.
This phenomenon is not just a subjective experience. It is rooted in the way our brains process information. Positive emotions are said to broaden our thought patterns and enhance our creativity. We may see new possibilities and connections in our surroundings.
How do negative emotions affect our perceptions?
Conversely, negative emotions like fear, anxiety or sadness may darken our perceptions and make the world around us feel bleak and overwhelming. Observing our surroundings through this emotional lens can alter our viewpoint and affect the way we respond to situations. We may find that we are so focused on our inner turmoil that we overlook the beauty in our immediate environmemt.
This survival mechanism is an evolutionary trait designed to help us concentrate on potential threats. However, it can lead to a skewed perception of reality, where challenges appear more daunting than they actually are.
This was certainly the case in my experience.
While we were still in Africa, we had looked at maps of England wondering where we should live. We finally decided on a market town on the banks of the Thames.
When we arrived on a partially cloudy afternoon four years ago, I had hoped that the shoddy urban locality we encountered would soon become fondly familiar. That never happened. If anything, this town became more dismal and depressing as the months progressed. The grimness of the surrounding squalor seemed unbearable at times and I was desperate to get away.
I would never want to go through those first dark dreary months ever again.
Now that I look back, it is evident that my perception of my surroundings was exacerbated by stress. The anxiety caused by the need to start again in a foreign country undoubtedly made everything appear far worse than it was.
All I had to hold on to at that time was Psalm 34 and my belief that I would eventually get through it.
“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.” Psalm 34:19
God has been very kind and those dark days are thankfully behind us.
What should we conclude about how emotions affect perception?
Understanding how emotions affect perception can empower us to manage our emotional states more effectively. In this way, we can maintain a more positive and balanced view of the world around us.
Reverting back to my own story, it seems that our season in this town will soon come to an end. It never did become fondly familiar, although now that my stress is greatly reduced, it seems slightly better. I am finally seeing my current surroundings through a brighter lens.