Shared with permission from Karen Sachs of Paint Your Essence. Curated by HCC Founder Camille Leon.
 
"We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality," says novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch. It's a thought-provoking statement, especially considering how often the world around us challenges our perception. Optical illusions are a perfect example of this—they play tricks on our vision, making us question what we see and how we interpret it.
Have you ever looked at an optical illusion and seen something entirely different from the person next to you? That's the magic of visual puzzles. They offer multiple interpretations, and guess what? All are correct. You don't need to tilt your head or squint your eyes to see what someone else sees; sometimes, it only takes a shift in perspective to reveal a new reality.
 
Optical illusions are more than just a fun game; they're a window into how our eyes and brains work together. Living in a three-dimensional world, our brain constantly gathers clues about depth, shading, lighting, and position to help us make sense of what we see. This intricate dance between light, color, and patterns is what makes these illusions so fascinating. They can be deceiving, leading our brains down one path only to reveal an entirely different scenario.
 
There are some optical illusions included in this article so you can have fun. We invite you to look at them with fresh eyes—they are here for you to explore. What do these images tell you? 
 
Are they challenging your perception, making you see beyond the obvious?
 
If you're curious to explore more and gain a deeper understanding of your perception, consider participating in a Paint Your Essence Workshop. These workshops are designed to help you see what you need to see in the way you need to see it, fostering self-discovery and creativity.
 
You can also explore other holistic services designed to expand our perceptions and open our minds to new possibilities. Together, we can unveil the layers of reality. Meet our members at https://holisticchamberofcommerce.com/directory.
 
    
 
                  
 
 
    
 
About the Author: Karen Sachs
 
As a contemporary artist, Karen’s paintings capture hidden pieces of the human experience, exposing parts of ourselves that we regularly keep hidden. Abstract pieces allow me to express openness and creativity freely. Color is the foundation for her art, illustrating emotions and feelings with depth and heart. Learn more at paintyouressence.com.
 
 

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