Friday, February 14, 1997

Looking beneath the surface

Have you ever looked at a “Magic Eye” image? It’s one of those pictures with a repeating pattern, and a hidden 3-dimensional image. To see the hidden image, you have to focus your eyes “behind” the surface of the paper, which is initially very counter-intuitive. We have a tendency to look at what’s “there", and that prevents us from seeing what’s “behind there.” If you relax your eyes though, the hidden image will eventually “pop” into view, with amazing clarity.

Interestingly, once you’ve seen the hidden image, it is much easier to see it again. That’s because you know, from experience, where and how to look for it.

Doesn’t it make you wonder what other things lie “hidden” beneath the surface? The superficial things in life can be very distracting, and can prevent us from seeing what’s behind them.

The next time something seems “obvious” ask yourself what else is there. What are you not seeing because you’re looking too intently? Some of the most interesting people, the most exciting opportunities, the most powerful secrets of life reveal themselves with great subtlety.

— Ralph Marston

Watch and imitate       Conquer doubt with action

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