Please consider perceiving beyond influence. Influence rooted in the past may distort perception, causing it to be jaded. We were all heavily conditioned in childhood. We were conditioned to hold certain beliefs and opinions. We were conditioned to perceive through separation, psychological distance, and mental screens involving labeling and pigeonholing. We were taught that fragmentary, manmade borders are legitimate and absolute. We were primarily taught that we are separate from the world, separate from all of life’s creatures, and separate from those other countries.
Additionally, beyond outside social structures trying to condition one, one also can further condition oneself. One can, for example, mislead oneself into thinking that one is superior to others, that one is meditating spectacularly (while all the while one is actually hypnotizing oneself), that a central “controller” is separate from “other” thoughts, or that one is somehow special (such that it is OK for one to take advantage of others).
It is arduous to go beyond outside authority. It is much easier to follow instructions and to do (and think) as you were told. Going beyond “inside” authority is likewise very difficult. When one goes beyond inward authority, perception exists without relying on past conditioning that is mistakingly taken to be original, isolated, or self-created. (One thinks that one needs to control oneself to be good. However, the very control may create a false inward authority, dominance, and friction. Legitimate order may involve much more than that old game.)
To go beyond outside and inside influence may involve great wisdom, freedom, and integrity.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Very cool!
Thank you, M.T.! 😊
You’re very welcome my dear friend! #LoveYourWorks
Many points to ponder here Tom. That photo is indeed a sweet effort on your part and that of your fuzzy bee pal who is also pondering i.e. which blossom to visit. Your macro lens has captured the fine hairs on the individual flowers and stalks that support them – amazing!
Thank you, Linda! Yes, many points to ponder. 😊 I love the fuzz on the bee and on the flowers! I have some Cretaceous period amber pieces (from eBay) with insects in them and some contain fuzzy insects. It’s crazy that so many of the insects that existed back then are still around today… like bees, ants, spiders, praying mantises, lacewing insects, and such! 😊
Your macro photography fascinates me Tom. I have not mastered shooting manually with my DSLR and only shoot on automatic. I imagine you have to do many adjustments to your camera lens to get close-ups that show the fuzziness on the bee and the flowers. That is amazing that insects have not changed the way they look in all these years … nature is more amazing every day isn’t it?
Your thoughts are spot-on, Tom! It reminded me of a piece I wrote many years ago called “A Self-Led Life.” I think the most important part is the acceptance of reality because when you’re grounded in that, whatever steps you take are more legitimate.