Summary

The author reflects on the complexity of human perception, emphasizing that life is not merely black and white but a spectrum of colors influenced by our experiences and emotions.

Abstract

The article "Virtually A Chromatic World" delves into the multifaceted nature of human experience, arguing that our perception of the world is far from monochromatic. The author, while observing a vibrant morning scene, realizes that each person may interpret the same view differently, shaped by individual triggers and past experiences. The piece suggests that while we sometimes default to a black-and-white view for simplicity or self-preservation, the world offers a rich palette of emotions and interactions. The author encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us, including the profound impact of human connections and acts of kindness.

Opinions

The author believes that our surroundings can be perceived differently by each individual, influenced by personal triggers and memories.
The article posits that sometimes we choose to see the world in black and white to avoid complex emotions or situations.
It is expressed that our experiences can add color to our lives, providing contentment and satisfaction.
The author indicates that life's most mundane moments can become profound when truly noticed and appreciated.
The piece conveys that human connections, such as conversations with friends, can evoke strong emotions and a sense of beauty in the familiar.
The author suggests that by opening ourselves to the diverse perspectives and experiences of others, we enrich our own lives.
The article concludes with a personal revelation that the author has been missing out on the fullness of life by not fully embracing its varied colors.

Virtually A Chromatic World

When You Finally Realize It’s Never Only Black And White

It’s all rainbows, unicorns, and fifty shades of that other color I won’t mention, so you folks won’t think this is an article about S&M.

Although some of what I’ve written has been a classic example of word porn, today, I’m going to come at you folks from a completely different perspective. I was sitting on the back porch this morning with my first cup of coffee shivering a bit.

Where in the heck did the warm temperatures go? Yesterday, it was in the upper seventies. Today the high thirties. Ah, Texas weather. If you don’t care for the current weather conditions, stick around a minute or two. It’ll change.

But this ain’t a weather report, it’s a thought which hit me as I surveyed my surroundings. The sun had just broken over the horizon, bright rays filtering through the vibrant emerald leaves of all the trees in my backyard. The sky was such a stunning mix of cerulean azure blue, the tree trunks rustic shades of brown and tan.

Although I’d seen that view a least a thousand times since moving into this old house, the view this morning struck me as being the most beautiful thing I’d ever witnessed. Aside from my gorgeous wife, oh, and Niagra Falls in the springtime.

The very next second, well actually four or five seconds later (not only am I always late to the party, but my brain is as well) the thought hit me that every single person on this planet may see things in much the same way as I do. Conversely, many of them see what I see differently.

It’s not just what the eye beholds. It’s often how the brain perceives.

Each of us has different and sometimes multiple triggers that either helps us get through life or sometimes hinder or cripple us. Most times, the triggers are reminders of something we wish to avoid. Things we really need to avoid, because we hate the way we end up feeling.

But it’s not just what the eye beholds or which of the five senses a person uses at the moment. It’s not just what the eye beholds. It’s often how the brain perceives. We of the Human condition often view things chromatically, allowing our experiences to possess multiple striations of color, which help us feel contentment and satisfaction.

Sometimes, we only allow ourselves to see shades of black and white because it’s all we can handle.

And some days, we just can’t do anything else but stand on the side of the prism where we see nothing but the dull, pale natural light of our lives.

We all have different triggers. Things that bring us joy, fear, anger, and yes, even hatred. And some days, we just can’t do anything else but stand on the side of the prism where we see nothing but the dull, pale natural light of our lives.

Plodding through life one day to the next, robotically doing the things we need to keep life from exploding into a thousand pieces.

Then, there are days when everything seems, so d*mned real, so beautiful it simply takes your breath away. It’s like looking at something you’ve seen a million times and noticing, really noticing just how gorgeous it really is.

Like that friend, you’ve meant to talk to who you finally call. Even though the conversation is about the same old things you two have always talked about, you get emotional, just hearing his or her voice.

You enjoy the beautiful colors of that person’s life, and when you hang up, you feel better than you’ve felt in years.

It’s never about seeing just black and white.

When you read of a random act of kindness from a stranger, or even better, are on the receiving end of it, you witness that stranger’s colors, see the rainbow of their soul showering you with agape love for another Human.

It’s times such as this when you finally realize it’s not about just seeing only black and white. It’s not just a monochromatic, lifeless world providing its inhabitants nothing save a meager existence and a life of woe. It’s never about seeing just black and white.

There are so many people, so many different colors of the spectrum out there in this world of ours. There are so many different thoughts, varying perspectives, alternative ways of looking at things, of drawing life experiences from the things going on around us.

The choice is, of course, ours, to witness or experience these daily experiences in only black and white. We can stand on the natural light side of this earthly prism and learn to just get by by the skin of our teeth each day. Or we can take the plunge and open our hearts and minds and experience the many colors this world and its inhabitants have to offer.

Seeing the sights this morning — a view I have witnessed so many times before — experiencing the glorious colors the world has to offer has made me finally realize.

I have spent far too long standing on the wrong side of the prism.

Peace Out My Writing Sisters And Brothers,

P.G.

Thanks So Much For Reading

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