What's the right grain size for perspective?

“There are no facts, only interpretations.” 
― Friedrich Nietzsche

Perspective is such an interesting topic to me.  Take the following examples:

*A co-worker once asked me, "How do you always look at the bright side of things?" The way she asked it suggested that perhaps what she really wanted to know was WHY do I always look at the bright side of things.  

*Leaders are tasked to take the 30,000 foot view to get a broader perspective of any current issue in their organization, in order to be more objective about the situation.

*A popular but perhaps over-used phrase in our current world is "It is what it is", while other people are screaming at the top of their lungs for something to be done about a frustrating situation.

How do we gain a clear perspective?

I'm not sure but I do know this:  it is important to see things from different angles and to be willing to open up different lenses.  My dear husband bought me a telescope last year when we moved to Tucson, so I could finally learn how to look at the stars and the moon and whatever else is up in the Arizona sky.  This telescope has 50 (or so it seemed) different lenses of various sizes and shapes.  A year later, I know not how to use them but I do recognize that they are geared to give us differing perspectives on the night sky.

As I was drying my hair this morning in my hotel room, I glanced over at the close-up mirror jutting from the wall.  What a frightening scene.  Whereas the big bathroom mirror allowed me to see the gestalt of my morning self in order to get ready, the evil, Satanic close-up mirror gave me a differing perspective---one that made me almost shriek aloud.  I could see the following:  a true need for some waxing need on my eyebrows, a few pores on my face that were entirely too large and laugh lines that indicate I may have laughed enough for a lifetime.  
Maybe I don't want that perspective, is all I could think.

In all seriousness, I believe our communication with others is like this.  We can either talk about things on the surface or we can get down and dirty, pores and all.  I went to dinner with fellow consultants last night, sat with a group of five folks and literally talked for 3 and a 1/2 hours about life, childhoods, family and love.  It felt so good to go more deeply than we might normally delve.  

Just for today....if you are willing....perhaps it is worth the risk to dive more deeply into our communications with others.  30,000 foot level is needed at many times, but that close-up mirror can really be beneficial as well....if we are willing to take a risk.  

Happy Communicating!

Shelly