Thich Nhat Hanah suggests using the question “Am I sure?” when confronted with something that we think threatens us. Such a practice could be used when faced with a stressor. “Right View” is all about realizing that our perceptions are not reality and in fact can never be reality. In his explanation of “Right View,” Thich Nhat Hanh points out that the Buddha said, “Where there is perception, there is deception” (in The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching). According to Hanh, “most of our perceptions are erroneous” and erroneous perceptions lead to suffering. This is similar to [Jon] Kabat-Zin’s emphasis on how the stress response often arises in reaction to “perceived” threats, rather than actual threats. Thus, practicing asking “Am I sure?” or “What is this?” potentially buys you time and allows you to tolerate your reaction until perhaps it can become a response. Therefore, if possible, keep asking the question until clarity arises. The ancient application of “Right View” through questions such as “Am I sure?” or “What is this?” encourages us to question our own perceptions and regain our sanity.
--Sarita Tamayo-Moraga and Darlene Cohen Roshi, “Zen and the Transformation of Emotional and Physical Stress into Well-Being”
— Sarita Tamayo-Moraga, Darlene Cohen Roshi in Contemplative Practices in Action by Thomas G. Plante, Editor