Optical illusions, as those shown, are ambiguous and open to interpretation. The images require your brain to recognize not one, but two perceptions. From vases to faces, onward from individuals to relationships. In any relationship, perspective-taking is required for the relationship to be successful, whether a platonic relationship or a romantic one. Easier said than done though. Often as individuals we want to think our way of thinking is the best way of thinking, whether we care to admit this openly or not. In order to look beyond your own point of view and recognize, consider and understand how someone else thinks or feels takes deliberate effort. When we decide to "see the world" through another person's eyes, critical thinking skills are applied. Try practicing this simple perspective-taking exercise to get started on connecting the dots toward seeing multiple points of view, not just your own. As the adage goes, "there are two sides to every story." Perspective-taking Exercise: Think about a recent time when your partner or a friend did not view a situation the same way and the conversation did not end well. 1. Put yourself in her or his shoes by asking yourself, "What might that person have been thinking or feeling in that situation?" 2. Consider what background influences (e.g., where born, upbringing, instilled values) might have impacted the way she or he perceived the situation 3. Relate to her or his experience by finding common ground and acknowledging your differences 4. Try to find resolution next time using this new perspective and understanding acquired 5. Practice makes perfect! Illusion Art fact: Rubin's vase, one of the most famous examples of illusion art, was created around 1915 by Danish psychologist Edgar Rubin. The ambiguious, two-dimensional illusion is best explained through the principle of figure-ground organization. #therapy #psychology #gestaltpsychology #opticalillusion #rubinvase #braingame #perception #perspective #perspectivetaking #differentpointofview #understand #empathy #bekind #bewell https://www.instagram.com/p/CAk6Kzvpgq7/?igshid=1q5tg9wuzigu1
