Perspective on the World (Poem)

Even in the same circumstances, one's perspective differs.

Whether you perceive what is in front of you as
“there is only a mandarin orange”
or
“there is a mandarin orange,”
the world changes.

If your field of vision widens,
your way of looking at things changes,
and your allies change too.

If you perceive it like the latter,
the world looks brighter,
and you think about living brightly.
Then, the people you associate with change.
You are no longer in a relationship
where you are pitied or thought of as pathetic.

If you perceive it like the former,
the world looks dark,
and your eyes only go to the bad parts.
Then, the number of people you can speak honestly with decreases.
Because they feel sorry for you, because they want to do something about it,
both you and the other person unconsciously
look down on each other and offer words of sympathy.

The shoes in the photo,
the shoes at Eiko Kadono's Magic Literature Museum.
If you don't pay attention, you'll just pass by without thinking anything of them.

The moment I saw them,
I wondered if they were lost items or part of the display.
When I asked a nearby staff member,
“I thought that if shoes were placed there, everyone would naturally take theirs off.”
What a wonderful response.
Shoes placed naturally without breaking the worldview.
Thanks to noticing these shoes,
I was able to think for myself
about the intention behind their placement.

Honestly, whether you notice them or not,
it won't hinder your life.
But when you notice, your perspective changes and the world expands.

Whether small or large,
if you know what the best perspective is for you,
the path will surely become brighter.

Every day is a series of struggles and suffering,
but that is what is born from thinking.

Someday, I too
want to quietly place a lovely pair of shoes by my side,
dreaming that someone will ask me the reason why.