Marilyn Sargent & Al Sargent – The Power of Perspective

Marilyn Sargent & Al Sargent – The Power of Perspective

Aligning Perceptual Positions
Purpose: To develop the ability to move easily between Self, Observer, and Other positions, while experiencing well-sorted perceptions. This typically results in clear boundaries, respect for self and others, greater resourcefulness, more choices, and more wisdom. Being aligned in Self position greatly facilitates wholeness, presence, and centeredness.
Briefly establish rapport with your partner before beginning. As you read the following instructions to your explorer, pause for your partner to respond each time you see three dots (…). Write down their responses, either on this worksheet or on separate paper. (Words appearing in parentheses and italics are to be read silently to yourself, rather than aloud.)
Aligning Perceptual Positions: Exercise 1
Getting Ready
1. “Identify a situation of difficulty involving yourself and one other person, in which you would like to be more resourceful. Choose a situation that is mildly or moderately intense for the first time you do this process.” …
2. “Replay that situation in your mind… Notice how you perceive and respond to the situation now, before we have changed anything.” …
(Pause)
I. Observer Position (write answers after each question)
A. Exploring What You See
1. “Do you see your Self and the Other person? (If your partner sees only the other person, add:) “Step outside yourself, so that you see both your Self and the Other person.” …
2. “Please gesture exactly where the people are in your mind’s eye. Are they at eye level with each other?” …
(Notice whether one is closer than the other, and whether they are symmetrically balanced on the left and right or whether one is further to the side. Draw a sketch.)
3. “Are you looking at Self and Other at their eye level? Or are you looking down or up at them?”
4. “As you observe, are you looking exactly out of your eyes, or is your viewpoint even slightly off of your physical eyes?” …