The Map Is Not the Territory

Just in an average day we can experience many things that we take as good or bad. In this article I want to take a look at what takes a place in the human mind as it relates to our daily affairs.

Internal Representations

Every time something happens in our life we subconsciously make what is called an Internal Representation of the event. Now, at this point problems can occur, because we allow our Internal Representation or perception of the event to become our reality. However, what we now perceive as reality is not necessarily the reality that everyone else may have gotten from the same event. I'm sure at sometime or the other you have seen were two people experience the same events at the same time and yet come away with two totally different ways of perceiving the event.

Perception

We have to see that when things happen to us we internally process the events which produce for us a custom perception of the event; but yet again, I remind you, this is not necessarily the event. The map is not the territory! Our internal representation or perception creates in us a positive or negative response with a corresponding State of being. Whether it is negative or positive is dependent on how a person processes the information they receive from a given event. This is important for us to remember and understand that events & information in and of it self is neither bad nor good. It is simply information that comes to us by way of our senses. All that happens can be summed up as part of the perfection of God.

The Perfection of God

I know by this article being on the internet that everyone that reads this will not have the same religious belief system as I do, but I hope you will allow me to be me. When I speak of the Perfection of God my bases is found in the Holy Scriptures where it speaks of "And we know that all things work together for good that love God." An example of this can be seen in all our lives. Think back on the times that you had bad situations that seemingly became the spring boards for a great rewards;

The Death of a love one that forced you to mature & become more response able or responsible. Lose of a job that allowed you to go back to school & finish a degree, which in turn opens doors that would have otherwise remain shut. Sadly to say, that mainly only those that believe that there is a Sovereign God and there are no accidents because everything is under his control will even be open enough to embrace the importance of this philosophical, yet Theosophical discussion. I will not even go into the debate of "why if God is in control, do bad things happen." My answer again, events & information in and of it self is neither bad nor good, it boils down to us looking at our internal representation or perception; as well as understanding that God is sovereign and has a "perfect plan." You choose your responses not the situations.

Don't get me wrong, I am sensible enough to understand that there will be some surprises that will take place in your life that will catch you off guard. When it happens I'm sure you will want to write me a long letter, but before you do remember that your internal representation is maintained by our reviewing thoughts about the situation. Each time you think about a past situation you again have a choice of how you choose to process, positive or negative. The moment that you realize that the way you have processed the information about a given event has put you in a negative state, it becomes your choice whether you stay there or redefine the way you have been processing the information about the event.

The reason I feel this is important enough to write about is because the quality of your life & the people closest to you are shaped by how well you process the events of your life. Why it is that one person can go through many setbacks, trials, heartaches, tragedies, and disappointments and still remain positive and encouraged about life? Perception! Then on the other hand, how is it that some people can go through what I call "nothings" and just fall apart? Perception!

Conclusion

It all comes down to learning to control the way that you process information about a given event. You have to control your thoughts by constantly thinking about what you're thinking about. You have to monitor your state knowing that it has strong impact on others.

The maps created in your mind are not the Territory.

(c) 2005 Copyrights WilsonMedia

Bishop Wilson is the presiding prelate and founder of Unity Fellowship Alliance Int. The Unity Fellowship Alliance International will serve as a place of Fellowship, Training,for not only Christians, but leaders around the world.

Bishop Wilson is author, Motivational Speaker, Christian Life Coach, and Personal Mentor.

http://www.ufai.r8.org

Sign Up for Tele Seminars with M. Christopher Wilson, @ http://www.freedom.ne1.net

---

Positive Mental Attitude

Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More

Change in the Workplace: Don?t Fear It; Use It!

Every day something changes at work: your products, your customers,... Read More

Creating Positive Environments, Part 1: Using Art

One of our most active senses is sight. What we... Read More

Gratitude: the ICE that Fills Your Half Empty Glass!

Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More

Where Do You Get A Positive Attitude You Asked?

How are you? Where do you get a positive attitude... Read More

Discovering Opportunity in Times of Challenge

You may be facing a type of disappointment, frustration, loss,... Read More

Life, The Greatest Ride of All

Life is the greatest roller coaster ride we will ever... Read More

Motivate To Activate A Positive Lifestyle

What do you do when things in your life don't... Read More

Scented, Spiritual Waters

Water is an important tool for magic rituals in many... Read More

Prisoner of Attitude

"Thinking is responsible for man's primacy on earth today. Existence... Read More

Being Assertive

Many people find it extremely difficult to be assertive, whether... Read More

Increasing Expectation Positively!

At your next staff meeting lead your team through the... Read More

How to Plan a Vacations of the Mind

Part 1Recently, in a women's therapy group that I run,... Read More

Universal Mind

"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More

Growing Optimistically

Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More

Doubting Your Way To Success!... Ridiculous... Oh?

Ever had a problem with doubts? Ever felt that nagging... Read More

Lets Get to the Bottom of Low Self-Esteem

If you suffer from low self-esteem, it's because you don't... Read More

Developing Self-Esteem

It would be pretty hard to become successful without first... Read More

How Our Thoughts Create Mental Bugs

Our thoughts define who we are. They can make us... Read More

Becoming Excellent: Outsmarting Racism

Thinkers know better than to be racist. It's generally understood... Read More

Spring Into Enchantment

Who can control a smile sneaking across your face as... Read More

Self-esteem: Does It Really Matter?

Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More

A Major Block to Constructive Change

A Yale University study a few years ago revealed that... Read More

Community After Tragedy

One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More

Self-esteem Boosters: 5 Action Points

? Make a list of all your accomplishments in life... Read More

Get Out of Your Way!

We hear a lot these days about accepting responsibility for... Read More

Thinking Like A Winner

Since the beginning of human history we have been living... Read More

The Top Ten Ways To Be Positive In The Workplace Of Life

There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More

Overcoming Bad Moods

From experience, one of the biggest stumbling blocks for people... Read More

How To Radically Improve Your Everyday Experience Of Life In Two Simple Steps

Can you do something for me?Tell me?Please don't think tomorrow.What?Yeah,... Read More

Forget Positive Thinking

There are always explanations for why things to you or... Read More

An Exercise To Open Your Mind To Your Possibilities

Everything exists twice. First, in your mind. Later, before you... Read More

Are You A Prisoner of Your Own Making?

There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More