Why X-Ray Vision is Overrated

Superpowers come in all shapes and sizes. We have X-ray vision, telekinesis, telepathy, and immortality. Some of us can fly, some of us have bendable arms and invisible powers, and some of us (including yours truly) have the infallible, uncanny ability to always discover new knots in our hair. I know that you have a superpower, too. I do not have a problem with that; in fact, I commend you for it! I do have a problem with our fascination with having the superpower dubbed "X-Ray Vision". 

Problem 1: X-Ray Vision, contrary to popular belief, would not be as interesting as everyone thinks. It's a misnomer. Do you want to see in X-Rays? Most likely, you do not; you want what should be called The Power to See Through Things/Long Distances. 

Problem 2: We all say that we want to see through things. Perhaps this is due to the societal value that we place on being able to "see through the BS" or the lies or someone's demeanor to understand what they are really communicating. And don't get me wrong; being able to cut through the crap is possibly one of the most valuable skills in the world. But ask yourself this question: do you want to see through things, or do you want to see past them? 

When we skim through pages, breeze through life, and rush through the motions of perfunctory tasks, we get things done--at the cost of not noticing so many important things out there. When we look through things, or people, or ideas, or obstacles, we sacrifice the knowledge, experience, and awareness that we would have gained by taking the time to actually see what was going on. If you are merciless with a peer who is getting on your nerves--if you decide to see through him or her--in the hopes of driving home the fact that, to you, he or she does not exist, any potential for improvement in your relationship vanishes along with the original "problem".

How powerful would it be if we had the superpower to see past obstacles, into the future of potential and realization and aspiration? If we focused on seeing everything--including the things farthest away? How many things would we do differently? How many changes would we be encouraged to make? 

I believe in having not X-Ray Vision but in having Vision. In many religions--and even in everyday idioms--seeing is associated with believing and understanding (ie "You see?"= "You understand?"). If we can see possibilities and possible outcomes, then we immediately enable ourselves to believe that those outcomes can exist--or will exist. All that's left, then, is to make it happen.

So maybe try out ditching the X-Ray Vision for real Vision. Who knows what you will find!