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

---

Change and Transition - 10 Steps to Surviving Change Elegantly

If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel?... Read More

Are You Inviting Misery into Your Life?

Often, I've come across individuals who, while in conversation, will... Read More

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

I was always somebody who felt quite sorry for myself,... Read More

Create Your Own Confidence Bank Account

This is a technique that sounds a bit silly when... Read More

The Courage To Succeed!

The hardest part of success is the **courage** you need... Read More

To Compete or Co-create? - That is the Question!

As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More

What You Can Do As A Non-Raging Mate To Either Fix The Relationship Or Forget It

(The following is an actual email conversation between Newton Hightower,... Read More

Use Affirmations to Build Self-Esteem

Most of us carry on a running internal dialogue at... Read More

Have a Present Moment!

It was the 10th day of rain, and I walked... Read More

Today, A Wonderful Day

Believe me, today is the most wonderful day of your... Read More

Finding Meaning in Life: Three Steps

So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More

Quick Tips On Making Change Work For You

Facing a change and want to make it work for... Read More

The Ultimate In Positive Thinking?

I will never forget an evening in 2003, when I... Read More

Your Frame of Mind May Determine Your Health

The mind absolutely amazes me. It will never be understood,... Read More

Down On Your Luck? Heres How You Get Over The Hump!

It's time to put a bad rumor to rest right... Read More

Beware: Your Mind is a Battle Field!

WhenWhen we have feelings for someone or something, we have... 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

Community After Tragedy

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

Are You Trying to Lose?

Just 2 nights ago my partner and I were watching... Read More

Ditch Lack of Confidence and Unlock Full Potential

Being the next Carmen Electra or Paris Hilton might or... Read More

Self-Sabotage - Are We Prisoners of the Past?

Many people who suffer from low self-esteem would give anything... Read More

Five Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World

In view of the increasing negative events happening around the... Read More

Lifes Curveballs

Do you realize how good you have it? Yes, everyone... Read More

The Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Using an opponent's force against them is the fundamental teaching... Read More

5 Ways To Use Mind Power To Maximise Your Potential

Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More

Anger: The Power is On!

When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More

Positive Attitude is Not Enough

Contrary to the popular saying "attitude is everything" attittude is... Read More

Banishing Hannibal Lecter Personalities From Your Life

We all know them. We all have somebody like them... Read More

3 Little Words Equal More Power To You!

Life shouldn't be so complicated. Have you ever wondered why... Read More

Don?t Worry, Be Happy!

Philippians 4:6-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,... Read More

Becoming Excellent: Outsmarting Racism

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

How To Self Talk Your Way To Success?

Dear Friends,All human beings have a unique ability right from... Read More

How to Get Rid of Frustration and Self-Pity

I've yet to meet the person who never struggles with... Read More