Beliefs: The architects of experience

“Some beliefs are like walled gardens. They encourage exclusiveness, and the feeling of being especially privileged. Other beliefs are expansive and lead the way into wider and deeper sympathies.”

Sophia Lyon Fahs

What we believe determines what we perceive and what we perceive defines what we believe to be real. We are therefore governed less by reality but more what we believe. Our beliefs can be compared to computer subroutines which interpret data by reference to a predefined set of criteria, the problem being that if the criteria are not met, the data is rejected as invalid rather than possible evidence that the subroutine or comparative data set might be flawed. A few of these subroutines are genetically encoded; typically those around survival but the vast majority are installed by our parents, society and our experience. Beliefs are not immutable and can be changed but this requires us first to be aware that they are present and secondly to accept how much they govern what we notice. It is only by asking ourselves what else we are not seeing that the grip of a particular belief can be broken.

So often when people come into conflict it is actually caused by a clash of beliefs rather than the lack of an available solution, if only both parties could see the whole. If we are to change the way people see the world and behave towards it, we will need to work at the level of beliefs. We will need to be open to exploring our deeply held beliefs and those of others. We will need to value people who are able to suspend their beliefs, empathise with others and take a synergistic approach compared to the advocating, combative leaders of today.

Values are beliefs which define what we as individuals and societies deem to be most important and as such, to make any lasting change in the way we behave, we must re-address the fundamental values which are driving us on our current path to social and ecological disintegration.

What are the critical beliefs which are limiting our willingness or ability to make the necessary changes to address the challenges facing us all?