(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
There is a big difference between having something be invisible and having it be not seen.
Remember when you first learned to drive. Your full attention was initially on the basics of accelerating, steering, and braking. As your skills improved you began to include awareness of other vehicles, the condition of the road surface, and potential threats. All of which was there to be seen when you were first learning, but it remained unseen.
Many people will say that what is unseen is invisible, that is, not possible to be seen. Maybe, maybe not. The strength of this Distinction lies in awareness.
When you are aware/present/open/inquisitive you have a great opportunity to see what’s there to see. You can learn from it, grow from it, avoid it, or profit from it. Seeing what was previously unseen benefits you in business, relationships, and spiritual growth.
You look right at something and not see it when you don’t know what to look for, are distracted, not interested, or don’t want to see what’s there to see. Being actively open to seeing is a skill you can learn and enhance.
On the other hand, declaring that the source of a problem was invisible (“It’s not my fault/I didn’t know/You’re being unfair.”) leaves you in a place of being at the effect of life rather than at the cause of it.
Coaching Point: What is one barrier you’re aware of which keeps you from seeing the unseen?
Copyright 2012 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.
