We carry on internal dialogues in our heads with the endless array of ideas that are swimming about. And in so doing we drive ourselves crazy. There is no doubt that our thoughts influence our perceptions. If you think your life is miserable, your attention automatically focuses on all the bad things that are happening. When you're in love, the world's your friend and all is bright and wonderful.
Animals are extremely perceptive.
They are very aware of what is going on in their environments and are therefore prepared to respond appropriately. We humans are so wrapped up in our thoughts about our lives that we very often miss a lot of helpful information that our environments are sharing with us. I will do this by consciously quieting my mind. By clearing out the extraneous thoughts, my attention will be free to perceive what information my environment has to give. When I free myself to respond appropriately to each situation as it occurs, I know I will be making well-informed and therefore wise choices.