Blind Spots

Being aware of our blind spots is essential and here is a treatise on understanding it better…

- Ramaratnam

What are blind spots? Blind spots are mental blocks created by the mind which we are unaware of, and over which we have no control. Anything the mind covers from our view is a blind spot. Even within the eye, there is a blind spot, an area that does not support vision.

In areas where there are blind spots, we will fail to exercise proper judgment and discrimination. This failure is not intentional or deliberate; instead, it is just that we are not aware of what is driving us, and we respond unconsciously.

Characteristics of blind spots

We cannot consciously create blind spots. It is part of the design of life and is an unconscious process. It may appear to be a faulty design, but there seems to be a method to this madness. If the mind did not create blind spots, it will not be able to sustain that which is opposed to the blind spot.

Blind spots cannot be spotted by us. However, others can, by keenly watching our behavior. For instance, many people are not aware of their own selfishness. If someone pointed it out, they may not believe them. They may even get angry and deny it.

Even if you are willing to agree with their recognition of your blind spot you will not be able to see your acts of selfishness while it is happening. The self-image will block it out from view.

We can live with blind spots for an entire lifetime and never know that such a thing exists. They have great influence over us but since they work in the background we are not aware of their influence.

Blind spots are not restricted to individuals. It is collective. They exist in societies, cultures, nations, religions and politics.

Blind spots are not self-denial; though, to an outsider, it may appear so. In denial we sweep under the carpet or choose to ignore certain inconvenient matters that trouble us. Knowingly, we turn a blind eye. In blind spots we don't know, though others may know and may wrongly assume that we also do.