Chess is an interesting game, a fun game and a challenging game. Many are familiar with this ancient game with 64 squares, 32 pieces and an almost infinite number of possible matches that can take place. There is a saying in chess, when your opponent in the early game places one of his pieces, usually a knight or bishop on your side of the board to make you believe there is a danger looming. This is not always the case, so you should be conscious by making a reactive move to it – many times you should instead ask its intentions. You ask, by threatening the piece, usually with a pawn. You give attention to this spatial violation by your opponent by putting pressure on the piece in question. You understand that you do not know what your opponent is thinking, even if you have an idea. So you do not react to what could be an empty threat, you observe and ask the question. What are you doing on my side of the board? And more times than not you will see your opponent slide its piece back to safety, for there was never a threat to begin with.

When one is struck by a perception of a negative nature, a feeling of, let’s say unease. In a situation that we didn’t expect a response. Just as an unwanted knight on our side of the board. We often want to separate from this feeling. And we react usually to this by leaving the situation we think created this feeling. You are maybe going to an interview for a new job, and in the beginning you are excited. From nowhere a looming feeling of despair and danger falls over you. – What is this feeling, is it the interview? Maybe I shouldn’t attend. So the feeling stands in the way of something that may be of benefit to you. A previous experience could have given you a feeling of being unwanted. Maybe someone gave you the impression that you’re unqualified and wasting their time. Who knows?

Many times it is good for our perception to warn us about a perceived threat or discomfort. If you were in a car crash the last time you left the store parking lot, it is reasonable to look a second time before you drive off the next time you are there. But sometimes we become reactive, and follow the impulse to separate. Even though there is nothing that suggests you will be in another crash if you pay attention.

It is not always the case that this perception is neither justified nor reasonable. Perceptions of the world are created from experience, maybe an experience that wasn’t too kind to you. That was uncomfortable, or even dangerous. Which leads us to keep guard for this discomfort or danger to arise again. This would be reasonable if the experience was of an absolute nature, that no other way was possible. If you went outside in the winter and slipped on a patch of ice, fell and hurt your arm. I hope you won’t conclude that you can’t go outside in the winter – for you will fall and hurt yourself. No, you take responsibility in understanding that maybe I was too heisty, maybe i didnt have a good grip on my shoes, maybe I just didn’t pay attention. 

You learn, and you take courage and yet again, go outside. To say you will slip on ice during the winter is not true. That you may slip on ice during the winter, is. The same goes for our earlier perceptions of the world. What you think will happen, could happen, yes, but this is not the whole truth. Life is large and more complicated by its endless and constantly moving variables. 

Therefore one could take the opportunity to be present when an unexpected feeling hits. You can, if you choose, be the objective observer of this feeling which struck you. And when this feeling intrudes on your side of the board you can kindly, but firmly ask – what is your intention.

What are you trying to communicate? What is it my perception of this situation is? What’s happening right now, and how do I see it? Many times, we find that the feeling that intrudes comes with empty. As the knight that intrudes on your side of the board. As soon as you put a little focus on it, a little pressure. it will flee. 

Time and time again, people have not communicated the truth of their intentions to me. Time and time again I felt lost, and alone. Is it then reasonable, kind or justified for me to condemn the whole world for the incapability of some? But, people have also been kind and truthful to me, would it be wise then to proclaim that the world is of the highest good and no one indeed to do me harm. No, none of these are true, and yet they are both true at the same time. For you will be miscommunicated to, hurt and uncomfortable again. You will also be met with kindness and grace by those that allow their loving nature to shine.

Here begs the question, which way do i believe is right, which way is for me and the world more beneficial? Which way am I going to choose to follow? Do I hide, do I condemn, do I look away, or do I learn, embrace and accept the nature of the world and experience what for me will unfold. To see and not to react. With reason make a decision toward what is good in accordance to you and the world around you.

Perhaps you can stop and look at what’s actually going on in that mind of yours. Who knows what you will discover?