Perception Reframing: a means to World Peace

“Satir (1964) goes back to the family-of-origin causes and helps the clients to “reframe” (i.e., consider less negative motivations for the behaviors of others) their childhood experiences into more positive and generally truthful memories and then teaches congruent and value-building congruent and value-building communication styles that raise self-esteem”  (“Family Systems Theory”, Chapter 5 of Exploring Family Theories by Suzanne R. Smith, Raiann R. Hamon, Bron B. Ingoldsby & J. Elizabeth Miller).

This definition of 'reframe' is an important aspect in describing the importance to see through new lenses. When we individually review our past with a present perspective, we are enabled to see a more encompassing view of all attributing factors to a particular event or situation. When we reflect, without reliving, our present environment cultivates a third-person perception, which makes it possible for important discoveries of the most effective ways to change the self.

Family Systems Theory (FST)--focusing on social systems and how their interdependent parts maintain order--is one example. Family therapists often utilize this theory to harmonize homes. Although we have all been given opportunity to choose for ourselves our actions, our choices often are influenced by and influence the choices of others in return. When we begin to notice this, we also begin to notice our influential role in our families for better or worse. When we improve ourselves, we improve others, especially on the most basic and foundational levels of energy and example.

The family is the most fundamental unit of society*, thus we are assured that our choice to positively 'reframe' ourselves will in fact influence our families, the societies in which we live, and to any extent the world at large. You want World Peace? It starts within the confines of your own heart and mind--You have a grand position of power!

*A Proclamation to the World:  The Family

Nugget of Perspective: Repentance

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to  're-turn' toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."                             -Neil L. Andersen (“Repent…That I May Heal You,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 40)

Inform Your Mind!

It is critical in today's society to be well informed, to actively participate in the shaping of tomorrow. It is not enough to rely on merely what others tell us. Though we can certainly be positively influenced by others, we ought to act, rather than be acted upon. We have the blessing of modern technology. With increasing accessibility to information, especially by means of the internet, also in our laps lay the escalating weight of responsibility and accountability. To be informed, we must open our eyes and ears to continually fill ourselves with a reservoir of knowledge. To be well informed requires practiced discernment in assertively answering the question:  'What is truth?'

Research is one example of both the need and means to becoming well-informed. Did you know that 95% of all statistics are made up on the spot? My friend shared with me the funny thing about that question is every time someone tells him that, they quote a different percentage. It often is work to verify something as truth; however, President Thomas Jefferson [1743-1826] said it well when he proclaimed, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."

The following are just a few of the many simple things to look for when identifying the validity of statistics:
-How recent was the study conducted? How was the data collected? We have greater need for quality research today kept up to date than ever before because times and trends are changing ever more rapidly than in times past.
-Does the source show the study to have been conducted scientifically? Was the study peer reviewed? Were the results repeated with multiple studies?
-What is the name of the URL? Ending in .gov or .edu is a good indication of valid data; still, be careful how the data is compared.
-Is the graph visually skewed to play with the mind, as to persuade viewers to believe their interpretive bias?
-(This is one of my favorites.) Did you know anyone who eats chocolate, their heart stops and they die?Well...eventually, because mortals are prone to die and usually they are not considered dead until after their hearts stops. Correlation does not necessarily indicate causation!

In doing a bit of my own research, I came across www.gapminder.org This website has peaked my interest in  research. Filled with innumerable data, the site is set up for the user to compare worldwide trends in economy, society, education, energy, environment, health, infrastructure, population, and work.

Research can be fun and it is well worth the time. However you decide to inform your mind, we as a people need to be grounded in truth if we are to save ourselves, our neighbors, and unite to save our nations.