Mindful Sight: The Power of Perception

The first day I saw through aid after years of loading up on yeast and vitamin A was October 10 1983. I was only 10 years. Before then I had been caned (spanked), derided and accused of neglecting my studies. I will ace my classes when I am positioned to sit in front but when I am moved to the back, gibberish starts.

Dad wanted his beautiful daughter to continue to excel but his observance was marred by the strictness that came from being a Police Officer. Add to that the fact that he was in self denial that anything could be wrong with my eyes at 8.

Mum wanted her beautiful daughter to continue to be outstanding. Thankfully her being spiritual led her to see beyond the ordinary and began to introspect.

Keen observation is?the ability to notice details that others may miss, such as subtle changes in visual, in tone of voice or in the environment.?It can involve using all of your senses to focus on something or someone in order to gather information.?

Keenness of observation could be marred by visual impairment. While becoming spectacled enhanced my eyesight, the Holy Spirit enlarged my mind to see beyond the physical. I have used this gift to help many.

A woman who was signed on for counsel by her aunt just returned to her matrimonial home and is working on her marriage after months of filing for and pursuing divorce. In seeing deeper, I was able to point her to beautiful things about her, her husband and their lives together.

I recently observed that on social media many jump on stories of loss, whether they know the bereaved or not. They ignore career, concern, care, encouragement and education post. Why.

Here are possible reasons why people tend to engage more with loss-related posts:

1. Visual Impairment: Those with limited visibility can easily and clearly see obituary or images of beloved ones who have died.

2. Emotional Resonance: Tragedy and loss evoke strong emotions and make people more likely to engage.

3. Empathy: Readers may feel compelled to show support and solidarity for the one who has experienced loss.

4. Voyeurism: Many are drawn to sensational or dramatic content aka gbe'borun moves.

5. Social Obligation: Responding to posts about loss is seen as a societal norm.

6. Algorithmic Amplification: Social media?prioritise tragic content to elicit engagement and income generation.

7. Brevity: Posts about loss are seldom lengthy and requires far less energy or education to respond. I am surprised that SFYL is not common.

Next time we will look keenly at why loss is chosen above learning.

Dr. Anne Famuyiwa

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