Lenses for life

I often think of the metaphor of a camera lens when considering how I look at life. Sometimes, I have the macro lens out. I see the tiniest details in front of me with minute precision. When I’m cooking a recipe, creating a design, or diving into a new project, this kind of focus is valuable. When I give laser-like attention to the person in front of me, I become a great listener. The macro lens absolutely has its place in life.

Then there’s the wide-angle lens, which allows me to back up and take in the bigger picture. Instead of seeing weeds in the garden, I see the plants bursting with life and their delicious offerings. Instead of noticing the carpet that needs vacuuming, I see a home I love and adore. Instead of fixating on the intense, negative behavior of someone I care about, I remember who they truly are in the broader context of their soul’s journey.

We switch between these two lenses—many times a day. Someone says something that rubs us the wrong way, and our first reaction might be to take out the macro lens, analyzing every word for meaning that may or may not have been there. In those moments, it’s better to back up, take out the wide-angle lens, and ask to see through the eyes of the Divine. From this broader perspective, you may suddenly realize the person had a bad day… or a hard childhood. A shift in perspective inspires compassion instead of defense.

Think about times when you got stuck in traffic and worried about being late. Five or ten minutes is nothing in the greater scheme of eternity, but when our sense of self and “being on time” feels threatened, the macro lens magnifies these moments into huge irritations.

Likewise, when a world event triggers a steep drop in the stock market, millions of people take out the macro lens—panic, sell, and fall into fear. Those with the wide-angle lens—a broader and more long-term view—often come out ahead. Some even made fortunes during the Great Depression.

It’s not better or worse to use one lens or another. Each has its purpose. The angels like to say, “Adopt the perspective that makes you feel better.”

If looking at something up close soothes you or brings satisfaction, do that. I personally like to balance my bank account each week. Some people let the computer manage it and only check occasionally.

I love to admire the beauty right in front of me most days. But when I’m going through something hard, I prefer the broader perspective.

Choose the lens that works for you.

Here are a few tips to help you see through the most empowering lens:

1.  When one focus doesn’t make you feel good, try the other.

When you worry too much about the future, shift your focus to something beautiful here and now. This opens you to a kinder future.

When you’re haunted by pain from the past, remind yourself, “No one is hurting me now.” This opens you to more loving interactions.

When you’re stressed about paying the bills, zoom out and remember you’ve made it this far. This alllows you to receive more abundance.

When you lose someone you love, instead of reliving the last conversation or the challenges they faced before their transition—look at the bigger picture of their life’s journey. Savor all that was loving and beautiful in your relationship.
This allows you to connect with your dear one more easily in their new, expanded reality.

Choosing the lens that soothes, supports, or uplifts you is a powerful way to align with the Divine. It allows you to see through the loving eyes of your angels, who will help you appreciate both the beauty in each moment and the temporary nature of the challenges in our soul’s eternal journey.

2. Ask to see through the eyes of the Divine.

In so many readings over the years, I could not have offered someone an elegant solution from my human point of view, but as I surrendered to the perspective of the angels—who are always aligned with Divine Love—deeper wisdom flows.

I see a person who has gone through unthinkable abuse. The Divine sees a strong, powerful soul with a tenacious spirit—alive, still growing, and still seeking the freedom their soul desires.

I see a person who’s been lied to or cheated. The Divine sees someone who is resilient, capable, and who, in connection with Source, can call forth all that was lost and more… in the most beautiful ways.

We see horrific things on the news. The Divine sees innocent, frightened children in adult bodies who are trying to control their world, matching vibrations with others who have chosen growth through challenge. Everyone is guided—always—toward a kinder reality if they’re willing to listen.

We see death as a terrible loss. The Divine compassionately beckons us to evolve with our loved ones in spirit—to relate to them as they are now rather than as they were on earth. Through the wide-angel lens of eternity, our relationships never end. We continue our journey together.

As we ask to see things through the eyes of the Divine, we start to see, feel, and experience the Love that never leaves us.

“Let me see through your eyes.” Pray it sincerely and often, and it will change your perspective and your life.

3. See Yourself Through the Eyes of the Divine

We’re conditioned to criticize ourselves and others. It never feels good. It wobbles us from our spiritual center, blocks our life force, and can lead to discomfort or disease.

But when we practice seeing through the eyes of love, we see truth. We see our innocence and goodness. We see all we’ve done well. We see our sincere quest for love, our good intentions, and even our “mistakes” as growth.

In that more accurate view of ourselves, compassion for others comes more naturally. We see their pain, their motives, their longing for love—just like ours. We begin to see through Divine eyes.

I often think about eternity. It’s hard to wrap the human mind around something so vast. But in stillness, I feel it. I sense the “I-Ann” as part of “I-Am”—always evolving, shifting forms, having new adventures, yet always part of the eternal stream of unending love. Life on Earth becomes an adventure, not a race or a series of tests to pass. Urgency fades. Humor bubbles up more easily.

So next time you feel worked up or let down, try asking to see through the eyes of the angels or the Divine. Let yourself be guided into a new, more expanded—or sometimes more precise—perspective.

This week, may you see yourself as the Divine does:—Perfect as is… even as you evolve into more.