Our opinions about the world are never purely about the world. They are reflections of our inner state — our emotional wounds, unprocessed pain, and unmet needs. As Gabor Maté often highlights, the stories we tell about the world are shaped by the experiences that live within us, whether consciously or unconsciously.

When someone says, “The world is a cruel place,” it may be less a statement of objective truth and more an echo of their own unhealed suffering. As Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, “When you transform the way you look at things, the things you look at transform.” This is not to deny that suffering exists in the world — of course it does — but to understand that our experience of it is deeply personal. The world becomes a mirror, reflecting the pain or peace we carry inside.

The key to shifting our perspective lies in cultivating awareness and compassion, not just for the world, but for ourselves. This is the essence of mindfulness. When we pause to look deeply at our reactions — our anger, judgment, or despair — we can ask, “Where is this really coming from?” Often, these emotions are rooted in old wounds that have yet to be acknowledged or healed.

Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us to hold these emotions gently, as a parent would cradle a crying child. When we bring this kind of mindful, compassionate attention to ourselves, we begin to heal the suffering within. And as we heal, the way we see the world begins to shift.

Imagine walking through a forest, Thich Nhat Hanh suggests. If your feet are bare and the ground is sharp with stones, every step will feel painful. But if you wear shoes, the very same path becomes easy to walk. The forest hasn’t changed — your relationship to it has. In the same way, when we tend to our inner wounds, we can navigate the world with greater ease and compassion.

So, the next time you find yourself judging the world or others, pause. Breathe. Ask yourself: What is this really about? What is my perception reflecting back to me? Healing and clarity begin with these gentle questions. When you see the world through the lens of a healed and peaceful heart, the world itself becomes a more peaceful and compassionate place.