What if you are standing on the right side to your Creator/God/Universe/Spirit and looking down at yourself, your life and the situation that you are in right now? Do you see a life of misery or happiness? In your current situation, do you see one of great stress and worry or one that presents an important life lesson? Lastly, do you see someone (yourself in the picture) who is pretty much self-centered or who is generous in spirit?
The position you are in is known as the fifth perceptual position of the Meta-Mirror model that is practiced in NLP. In this position, you are viewing things from the widest perspective of all. You may also find yourself viewing events through the progression of time. It is this position that can also help you see how your ego is working against you.
The Meta-Mirror model is developed by Robert Dilts, the co-developer of NLP, to help individuals gain new insights and understandings about the situations they are in. In case you dismiss this exercise for its simplicity and assume that it is not worth a look, please be aware that it has been well supported by thousands of testimonials from individuals who managed to normalize their blood pressure when they took this position.
The above description is the last perceptual position that you undertake. There are altogether five perceptual positions. Here is a brief description:
The First Perceptual Position – You. In this position, you view things as yourself. You are completely associated with your five senses, what you see, hear, feel, etc. I also call this position as the one whereby your ego is fully vested in. This is the position of the “I” or the “me”.
Having published recent posts about ego, you may assume that this position as bad. On the contrary, it need not be. It is helpful for the person who feels inadequate and have issues in self-confidence and self worth. It helps you find out what you really want. You become assertive and learn to draw boundaries, in this position.
The Second Perceptual Position. You are in the shoes of another person. You consider the situation from this other person’s perspective. You view things from the other person’s reality.
In this position, you develop empathy and compassion for him/her. You may also see how you have been reacting to him/her. It presents you with a choice in adjusting your relationship with him/her.
The Third Perceptual Position. You become the observer. You are in an associated position but view things with a detachment. For example, you are a producer to a screenplay that involves the first two positions. You want both parties to emerge in a win-win situation.
In this position, you do not allow your emotions in to cloud your judgement. You do not take sides. You stand back and view the relationship as it stands before you. It also allows you to feel resourceful and to give a more objective analysis over what has happened.
The Fourth Perceptual Position. This is the position of the “we” or the “us”. It involves all above three perceptual positions and interacting with each other. Robert Dilts define the fourth position from the perspective of the system; that is the team, community, family, etc. When we are in the fourth position, we experience oneness with all members of the system. Robert Dilts points out that “effective leaders are able to identify with the whole system they are influencing”. Taking the forth perceptual position can help us move from a “me” to a “we”.
The Fifth Perceptual Position. As described above.
How to Do This Exercise
In the Meta-Mirror exercise, you assume each position; moving from first to fifth position in turn. Consider using a chalk or a piece of paper to denote the various positions, encircling your “life situation” position, on the ground.
Standing at each position, you try to see, feel and hear from the said perspective. Other than when you are standing at first position, you disassociate from your own thoughts, feelings and beliefs for all the other positions; so that you can gain some objectivity.
You can repeat the cycle many times over until you are satisfied with the results. Always end in the first position so that you can consolidate changes for the future.
Usefulness of The Meta-Mirror Model
The Meta-Mirror model allows you to reframe your mind. It helps you to move from your ego-centered to your Higher Self. In a conflict life situation, you find it easier to let go of your self serving interests and to forgive others. You also see that you can have a choice in releasing yourself from past negative patterns that have not been helpful. In the eventual position, you gain a helicopter and macro view of things.
The Meta-Mirror model has many applications. It can help you gain some perspective in your traumatic or difficult relationships with your loved ones. It can not only assist you in achieving personal breakthroughs but also in the area of business, marketing and sales. Results are positive as you learn how to negotiate more effectively, understand your customer needs better and to streamline your operations. You are also be better able to identify new opportunities for growth, learning and enhancement.
(today’s photo by striatic)
What if you are standing next to God?
Now back to the same question. What do you see, if you are standing on the right side to your Creator/God/Universe/Spirit and looking down at yourself, your life and the situation that you are in? As a creator of your own reality, would you now choose to create a new and different life situation for yourself?
Blog Update
I will be reducing the frequency of my article posts to once a week, due to my other commitments; i.e. advanced studies of Akashic Records, spiritual work, time needed to allocate for meditations and life coaching. I may publish a second post during the week but these will invariably be short messages.
Peace,
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{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
As a life coach, I see this as a very powerful exercise to help people reframe and shift perspectives. If I was standing next to God today I would see someone getting caught up in the logistics of life.
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How is your writing always perfect timing for what I need? Bless you friend. I soooooooooo needed to read this today. This morning has been a disaster till just now. Now its back into perspective and life is good
I love ya
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Hi Evelyn,
I have not heard of the Meta-Mirror model so I am happy to learn of a new method to convey the importance of helping others to look at their lives from different perspectives. We truly are the creators of our lives and what we create, we can uncreate.
Thank you for always having such insightful posts and for having such beautiful pictures that help convey the meaning too.
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Definetely another dimension in awakening self awareness and achieving goblets of wisdom. Problem with me is I not forcing myself into practising these jewels to achieve results which apparently will be a transforming new life situation.
Thanks Evelyn
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I see a lot that I’d like to un-create.
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“Do you see a life of misery or happiness? In your current situation, do you see one of great stress and worry or one that presents an important life lesson?”
It’s something in the middle. Obviously, I strive to make it as positive as possible.
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Hiya Evelyn
Excellent exercise.
It takes me ‘out’ and helps me reflect upon what I want rather than what I ‘should’ be doing. As my sister reminds me in her cheery northern european tones “Get doing what you want to do, ‘cos you’re a long time dead.”
I regularly use some of these perceptual positions to encourage ideas or ways to newly appreciate things in my life.
Thanks
Jens
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Evenly, I was not familiar with this model but it amazed me how similar it is to 1) exercises I have participated in in business workshops designed to facilitate dispute meditation and deal negotiations, and 2) Buddhist exercises to facilitate the development of compassion and universal love. So that is surely a sign of a robust model! As for your question, looking at myself I see someone in transition, not quite sure what direction to go next, and trying to let it be for a time until the right answer surfaces (and sometimes succeeding at letting it be, and sometimes not so much!!)
As for one post a week, your posts are very rich so I think this is great, and I’m sure others will benefit from your increased attention to your other activities…
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@Stacey, it’s great that you’ve found this exercise to be powerful. You said that you see yourself as “getting caught up in the logistics of life”, does it mean that you’d be hoping to slow down?
@jenn, oh wow….we must be telepathic or something. I’m going to be checking if you are online a little while later!
@Nadia, I didn’t think much about this exercise (since I’ve learned so many other seemingly more life-changing ones) when I first learned it. However, I recently found out myself how effective it can be. Thanks for your feedback! I love your articles too!
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@Man, yes…no amount of reading can replace practical techniques. Then again, it is not about “forcing”. Sometimes, getting a life coach to give you some directions may be helpful
Or you may wish to check out this other site dearlifecoaches.com for some inspiration.
@Dot, it’s great that you are aware that you are out of alignment. What then would you like to create? Perhaps it’s time to sit and write down what these are.
@Vered, you’re doing great, with your positive attitude towards life!
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@Jens, it’s wonderful that you have used this exercise and gotten results from it. It is true that sometimes when we are so invested in the situation ourselves, we find it hard to have a bigger picture. Yes, it can be useful to decide what you really want rather than what you are presently creating.
@Lisa, I guess my question is that whether many of us even put these exercises into practice, despite knowing about them. Hmmm….I would have thought that you already knew what direction to take. Well, I am sure that the answer will come to you in good time
Sometimes, the “transition” is the journey that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for your warm feedback about my posts. I’m finding that time allocated towards spiritual development and meditation is time well spent. When I have got more useful things to say, I’d definitely be sharing them on my site! And yes, I’m diverting more time towards Akashic readings. My findings have shown that they are excellent ways to channel messages of hope and love, which many souls need.
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I am so struck recently how all the great concepts and spiritual laws are one and the same…the similarities and understanding only different in our early teachings, as we grow and mature the similarities reveal.
Very good writing and clarity in your presentation. Thank you
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I’ve haven’t Meta Mirror Model specifically, but it is similar to work I have done with a therapist. What I see when I look down from God’s position is someone who needs to move forward in life, but is struggling because she sits too often in the second and fourth perspective position and rarely in the first. Me and owning desires and enforcing boundaries – it’s a never ending battle.
I think posting once a week is fine. It works for me!
Kelly@SHE-POWER
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What a great idea, to move from self-awareness to the bigger picture. Sometimes, I get so self-involved I forget I am part of a bigger tapestry.
Enjoy your other endeavors, and good luck!
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Namaste…..all is Love
What you see what you get . At 4th position , we see every one are ONE. We are ONE. If you vibrating upward to 5th dimension , you see 3rd dimension (physical material Earth) …all is ONE.
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Thanks for this post. I liked the observation you made about how focusing taking first position can be useful to people who tend to lose sight of their own wants and are focused instead on serving or being receptive (I’m one of those people). Just saying to myself “what do I want in this moment?” is a useful exercise for doing this.
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I seriously like the meta-mirror model. Very nice write up.
Where can I find more or what’s the best source?
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Thanks for sharing this Evelyn
I’ve used the first three positions successfully many times. Your explanation of the other two adds a valuable new dimension.
Best regards
Robert
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@Patricia, indeed there are a lot of similarities in teachings and more that we ever realize! Thank you for your compliments!
@Kelly, I’m glad to know that similar work performed with your therapist had been helpful. Hmm….it seems like you really need to be in the first position more!
@Jewel/Pink Ink, self absorption can certainly prevent us from seeing things in a bigger picture. We need to stand aside and practice some detachment. Thanks for the wishes!
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@Sharma, I certainly agree with your statement “What you see what you get”.
@Chris, it’s true that some of us who have more compassionate tendencies tend to forget our own needs. I’m glad that you recognize that you need to assert your own boundaries as well.
@J.D. Meier, this is an NLP technique. Any book should have a write-up on it.
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Hi Robert,
I believe that most of us have used the first three positions already to some extent at some point in our lives. It’s the last 2 positions that can really broaden our perception on things! I’m glad that you’ve found the post useful!
Abundance always,
Evelyn
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hi Evelyn,
I had problems connecting to this post a couple of days back, and am glad I decided to re-visit. The Meta Mirror concept is much broader than any I’ve come across, and very useful. I like the 5 different views, and previously was aware of only 3, for example “there are always 3 sides to the story – yours, mine and God’s.” So now I have an even better perception. Thanks!
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Hello Daphne, I’m glad you did. The Meta Mirror model is great for anyone in a relationship conflict or unable to clearly see the situation they are in. I have seen how it has worked in some practical cases! It helps on a conscious level on the setting aside of the ego, short of another post on meditation….LOL!
Take care,
Evelyn
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Hi Evelyn,
I like this perspective of looking down on my life from above. What a position to view life from, and as I’m thinking about this – I’m wondering if what I would be seeing, through eyes of compassion, if that would change my thinking about myself? The more I do think about this, the more I see just how empowering this can be – moving toward a much truer picture of myself. Thank you Evelyn!
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Lance, I am pretty sure that if you see through the eyes of compassion, you will be able to change your perception of things. Thanks for finding resonance with this post!
Evelyn
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Hi Evelyn,
A great post. I haven’t heard that way of describing it but it makes sense. I love that photo you chose. Did you take that yourself or did you borrow it?
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Hello Amy,
The photo is from flickr with a creative commons license. The attribution is near the bottom of my post. I’m glad that you like it too!
Evelyn
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