I recently shared my experience of stepping into what felt like a live performance with a deer. At the time, I thought I’d absorbed the message — but I’m only now realizing it didn’t fully land.
But when I remembered the invitation to see life as theatre – a current situation that’s been creating a lot of discomfort started to make more sense.
Reality vs. Reality
From Shakespeare’s wisdom to the deer’s silent teaching, the reminder is that our reality is not necessarily Reality.
This doesn’t mean life isn’t real. We are very much living the highs, the lows, and everything in between. But what if those experiences have a filter over them — like a photo or video on social media?
The Filters We Live Through
Most of us know that social media shows a curated version of life, carefully crafted to be seen a certain way. It’s still “real life,” but filtered. And even though we know this, it can still spark jealousy, insecurity, judgment, or desire.
Even though at our core we know it isn’t “real,” we still perceive it to be.
This is what the deer was showing me — and what I’m finally understanding now. Yes, what I’m experiencing feels very real and uncomfortable. But the intensity comes from seeing it through a filter — one that’s been built over many years, maybe even lifetimes.
Our conditioning, personal history, and society itself all create this filter, shaping the way we experience everything.
Seeing Behind the Curtain
But what if you could remove the filter, strip away the edits, and see the extended, behind-the-scenes version? What if you could see this moment in the context of the All?
From that vantage point, it becomes a mirror, an invitation to go deeper — a theatrical performance where every character is playing a role to support your growth. In doing so, they can help you uncover limiting beliefs, wounds, or shadows ready to be healed
The block that creates the shadow can be seen and released, allowing the light to fully shine.
Everything we experience is real… and yet not. Not in the way we usually perceive it.
From Discomfort to Gratitude
Though I still ride the waves of anger and anxiety around this situation, I’m grateful for the role it’s playing. It’s helping me unearth the wounds that allow this filter to thrive and bringing consciousness to the unconscious.
In this way, it feels purposeful. It shifts me out of anger, defensiveness, and anxiety into understanding and gratitude.
Putting This Perspective Into Practice
I admit, this perspective is easier to apply to an unsafe driver on the road (which I wrote about in my latest blog post) than to something truly horrific. While I hope I don’t have to test it in that way anytime soon, I’m doing my best to trust when things aren’t going “my way.”
Why? Because I see the impact that embodying surrender has on my quality of life. I also know it is the best preparation if deeper challenges arise. Either way, I’m finding it a much more peaceful way to live.
If you want to practice, here’s my invitation.
Notice if a situation in your life, past or present, came to mind while reading this. If not, think of something “lite” from the past that made you angry — being cut off in traffic, a negative comment, not being invited to a party, etc.
Bring a gentle, compassionate awareness to it.
Be present to any feelings that arise.
Take a step back from the situation and ask yourself: What is this emotional response revealing to me?
You might not get an answer. But simply acknowledging what’s present, feeling it, and getting curious about it through the lens of the observer can shift everything.
Practice becomes embodiment!
And that’s why I always say — until next time, friends…stay curious.
You Might Enjoy
- Divine Timing On The Road: What A Reckless Driver Taught Me
- Trust In The Timing: A Deer & A Timeline Shift
- The Misdirection of Energy: A Path to Finding Balance
- When Things Go Wrong In Life
Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food.
Disclaimer:
These are my current musings — proofread and edited by AI. This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.