Mental Models

A mental model

is an explanation of someone’s thought

process about how something works in the real world.

It is a representation of the surrounding world,

the relationships between its various parts

and a person’s intuitive perception about his or her

own acts and their consequences.

For your consideration….

Our message today talks about mental models. We have mental models of everything but today’s message is about our mental model of “self.” Think about it. The mental model we have of ourselves is the foundation for our mental model of everything else. Thus, it makes perfect sense to narrow our look at mental models down to ourselves.

Our mental model of ourselves comes from our spiritual self and also our ego self. We know that our spiritual self is limitless. It has no perimeters. Our ego self is just the opposite. It tries to box us in. It limits us using self-doubt.

Ideally we learn to trust and listen to only our spiritual self. For most of us it is a work in progress. How do we make the shift? We change our internal dialogue. We take a step back and ask questions. “Is it true?” “Who says it is true?” “What/who defines it as truth?”

We may think that sometimes it is hard recognize the truth. But it is not. There is a sure way to tell the difference. We simply have to stop, think and feel. Is there judgment involved? If there is, then it comes from the ego. It is just as simple as that.

Truth…spiritual truth…never is judgmental and it always feels like love….even if we don’t like it. Yes, even if it is not the answer we want or were HOPEing for, it feels right and loving .

We are asked today to pause and take a look at our mental model of ourselves. How would we describe ourselves? What are our talents? What are our limitations? What are our best and worse qualities? What are our HOPEs and dreams? What can we and can’t we do?

Make a “T” chart with each answer listed on one side. On the opposite side of the “T” answer the question “Is it true?” For each and every one that we have answered “no” to, we need to “change the dialogue.” We can do this by writing an affirmation of the truth. And/or we can write the ego truth on a piece of paper and burn it thus releasing it for healing. And/or we can create a mantra for our meditation that reinforces our true self.

In essence we are being asked today to “clean up” our mental model of ourselves.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE every steps anyone can do….

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is me next step for my highest good and the highest good of the Universe?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Start your “Mental Model T- Chart.”

What made me smile yesterday…..

-A wonderful relaxing day at Stillwater.

-A couple good books.

-My brother, Gordie, has a successful trip.

-As did my Alex.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris