We see what we want to see; what we expect to see--a confirmation of what we already know or believe to be "the truth." Often, we are blind to evidence supporting a contrary point of view. Sometimes this blindness is deliberate; other times it is an unconcious ignoring of contrary evidence. We also seek out information that is consistent with our beliefs.
We then act in ways to create self-fulfilling prophecies, yet may not recognize our part in the dance. It is difficult to resolve issues when we refuse to see the part we play in the cycle.
How much does our past influence our present? Do we keep replaying certain scenarios--albeit with different actors and scenery--over and over as a way to resolve the issues or experience closure?
