From The Daily Dialogue
From The Daily Dialogue
Broadcast of 10/24/98
Subject: [DailyDialogue #283] Partner in Crisis
The capacity for autonomous functioning does not mean a person lacks
emotions and feelings. It means that while a person may respond to input from
others on an emotional, feeling, and subjective level, he has the capacity to
process these responses on an objective level. The processing at the highest levels of mental functioning is what frees the person from automatic responses and permits choices. A well-differentiated person has a
togetherness force and is responsive to togetherness determined cues from others. His action or inaction in response to those cues, however, is strongly self determined."
-- Michael E. Kerr and Murray Bowen, Family Evaluation
Two of my significant others (wife and son) are struggling with challenges in their work and I'm finding myself at wit's-end with my desire to help. I'm really angry with the people who are betraying their loyalty and their innocence.
While it's tempting to tell their stories, that would be a breach of confidence. It also wouldn't be about the point of this piece.
In these matters, I'm not well enough differentiated to be objective about their situation. My reaction is too strong to tune into my objective mind and form dispassionate conclusions and behaviors, let alone tune into my higher self and receive guidance on the matter.
Experiment: Dialogue with your partner about an area where your own concern about one of their concerns might have you in a knot.
Affirmation: We are given reminders and opportunities to develop quiet mind when we experience reactive mind.
The Daily Dialogue is published each day of 1998 by e-mail. Copyright 1998, Eddy Brame and Marty Crouch, All rights reserved.
