How do we experience reality?

[NotJus4NE1]

To what extent do we choose how we experience an experience? What are the factors involved?
Past experiences?
What pople have told us?
The mood we are in at the time?
What else?​

 

[Pyxidragon]

IMHO, the three most important factors are mood, thoughts, and our own expectations. Anyone remember the first time they touched a snake? Pretty scary and slimy looking to a kid, but in reality, they're fairly firm and dry to the touch. (They also make good barbeque, but that's another story.)