Plotting the Methods

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Vital method uses exercise and other physical activity (e.g. in work) for stabilization. Full concentration is required because incorrect postures or movements can cause temporary pain or even permanent structural damage. Feelings and ideas (as well as worries) may then be automatically pushed out of the mind or, if intrusive, just tolerated during activity. So this method provides a very low focus on handling mental states.

X-Axis: Handling Others

The Vital method, being preoccupied with using one's body, does not necessitate interaction with any other person. Others may be sought as part of participation in team sports or competitive activities like tennis or athletics or as observers, but they are assumed to be willing, acting autonomously and looking after themselves. The Method itself therefore requires a very low focus on handling others.

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Transpersonal method demands full attention to mental states in order to sustain faith and realize union. Deliberate techniques, like contemplation or meditation, are used to notice and handle experiences of all sorts. Effort is required to recognize that most mental phenomena are unreal, inappropriate or distracting. The self must be mastered: it is viewed as an illusion or as the source of unnecessary distress. So we rate this method very high on handling mental states.

X-Axis: Handling Others

Except for helpful guidance from a mentor or guru, others have little or no part to play in this approach. Some techniques may use group settings (e.g. in meditating or chanting) but there is minimal or stereotyped interaction with others. Teachings commonly emphasize kindness and compassion. However, if someone provokes or causes problems, simple adaptation, ignoring or physical withdrawal is preferred to getting involved. So there is a very low focus on handling others.

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Relational method requires finding individuals with whom interaction is likely to be gratifying, and then developing an appropriately meaningful contact. Both the finding and the maintenance of relationships require close attention to the needs and preferences of the other party. The only way that these can be known is through attuning to feelings and intuiting the other's viewpoint. So we must place this method very high on handling mental states.

X-Axis: Handling Others

The Relational method regards a continuous flow of gratifying interactions with a variety of other individuals as the basis for inner stability. No single partner can provide all that is required emotionally, and a number of other relationships of varying degrees of closeness are developed. As varying life trajectories mean that people may come and go, opportunities for new relationships are continually sought. It follows that this method requires a very high focus on handling others.

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Social method requires actively participating in groups of various sorts and adopting their intrinsic values. This, together with finding purposes that suit you and the group, calls for focused awareness and a readiness to adjust. However, the situation is a stable one and the issues are relatively straightforward. So the focus on handling mental states seems to be in the lower half of the Y-Axis. Social awareness, diplomacy and compromise are necessary to handle member sensitivities and group politics. At the same time, priorities or tactics need to be adjusted. So the method is more demanding than Vital-L'1 and is placed closer to the middle of the Y-Axis.

X-Axis: Handling Others

The Social method requires a greater focus and dependence on the group rather than on specific members or people in general. So the focus on handling others seems to be in the lower half of the X-Axis. However, others are needed to enable group-related activities. Insufficient adjustment to their preferences and sensitivities could mean a loss of support for personal activities. At the extreme, this could block endeavours or lead to ejection from the group. So the method is placed closer to the middle of the X-Axis.

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Individual method is preoccupied with self esteem and self-image issues, and receipt of respect. This calls for efforts to shape one's own thoughts and feelings. Knowledge of one's own natural tendencies and biases must also be developed for self-development and self-protection. Such a degree of continuing careful focus on inner mental states places the method in the upper half of the Y-axis. However the intensity of control is less than is required forTranspersonal or Relational methods, so it is placed closer to the middle of the Y-axis.

X-Axis: Handling Others

The Individual method entails associating with others in order to be valued and receive affirmation for a self-concept. Others are also viewed as essential for personal achievement and as suppliers of respect. These are distancing and instrumental attitudes, which places the method in the lower half of the X-axis. However, others must be handled sufficiently well to get what is desired, and certainly more than is required in the Vital or Transpersonal methods, which locates it closer to the middle of the X-axis.

Y-Axis: Handling Mental States

The Sensory method is about mixing with others with whom there is some shared interest or other commonality so as to get and to give positive attention. Finding and joining suitable circles or networks may not require much self-control, but inserting oneself over time in a way that is personally appropriate, socially welcomed and gratifying requires adeptness. Handling mental states is therefore on the high side i.e. in the upper half of the Y-axis, but not as high as Transpersonal or Relational methods i.e. closer to the middle.

X-Axis: Handling Others

The Sensory method involves relating positively with moderately large numbers of people. Ensuring that contact is appropriate requires discrimination and attention, while continuing membership of networks depends on interacting suitably. So the focus on handling others is on the high side too i.e. in the upper half of the X-axis. However, the depth and extent of personal involvement is lower than required for the Relational method, so it is closer to the middle of the X-axis.