Observed and Merged Viewpoints
View your problem from varying degrees of detachment.
A problem can be viewed from two distinctive viewpoints: an observer’s viewpoint and a merged viewpoint.
The observer’s viewpoint is a detached state and can be seen by using such phrases as:
- ‘Stand back’
- ‘See something objectively’
- ‘Remain detached’
- ‘An arms length view’
- ‘Put things in perspective’
The merged viewpoint is when you are the object (or person or whatever). Having become the object, you see, hear, and feel as the subject would, often called ‘projective identification’. It can be interpreted as pure fantasy (i.e., imagining what it would be like to be a wheel). However, if used in an adept manner, it can be extremely empathetic, bringing to mind phrases such as:
- ‘Walk a mile in their shoes’
- ‘Seeing the situation through their eyes’
A merged viewpoint is an involved state. You identify and feel the object you are considering, (e.g., to resolve a technical problem with the wheel you become the wheel, right down the scale, workings, and trying to ‘experience’ its role, thus getting a feel for how it would operate better).
This method makes a distinction between associated and dissociated states. An associated (or merged) state is when some event triggers a past memory, and you feel you are re-experiencing the same feelings. If a good memory has been triggered, useful, energetic, and positive vibes are invoked. However, if the memory is a bad one, negativity is recalled. The dissociated (or observed) method is useful for recalling bad memories as a detached experience, thereby neutralizing the negative memories.
Source:
MyCoTed web site at www.mycoted.com.