Zones in the TET
Degrees in Handling Mental States: Y-Axis
Given the personal and social significance of handling your mental state, it is useful to divide up the Y-axis into zones to reveal a progression of intensity. This analysis also reveals similarities in otherwise very different methods
In the Vital — Emotional (empathic) zone, stabilization is based on deliberate acceptance of mental states.
Detail:
- For the Emotional-empathic method, the acceptance is used constructively to manage relationships. So acceptance is about understanding.
- For the Vital method, acceptance is simply the easiest way to avoid being distracted or bothered. So acceptance is about tolerance.
In the Social — Emotional (Sensitive) zone, stabilization is based on wilful alteration of mental states.
Detail:
- For the Emotional-sensitive method, the alteration serves to deflect or mitigate the unpleasantness of certain feelings. So alteration is defensive in nature.
- For the Social method, the alteration is about adjusting to the group and its members to affirm status and ensure social ease. So alteration is conformist in nature.
In the Individual — Sensory zone, stabilization is based on a focused search for particular mental states.
Detail:
- For the Sensory method, the search is for a proper match with a particular circle or network. Search is outward-looking towards friends, both old and new.
- For the Individual method, the search is about finding a viable self-concept and ways to bolster self-esteem. Search is inward-looking to confirm choices are authentic.
In the Transpersonal — Relational zone, stabilization is based on a determined facilitation that enables emergence of particular mental states.
Details:
- For the Relational method, facilitation is based on attuning to others so as to identify relationships that may be cultivated, and then to discover the way to do so. So facilitation is oriented outwards.
- For the Transpersonal method, facilitation is based on sustaining faith and employing meditative disciplines that open the door to experiences whose nature is unknown. So facilitation is oriented inwards.
Degrees in Handling Others: X-Axis
Given the personal and social significance of handling others, it is similarly useful to divide up the X-axis into zones to reveal a progression of intensity. This analysis also reveals similarities in otherwise very different methods
In the Vital — Transpersonal zone, stabilization calls for dissociation from others and minimizes interactions that can be disruptive or distracting.
Note: That does not mean a physical distance, because group activities are rather common. Because the dissociation is occurring mentally, a person using these methods may often converse at length and even seemingly rather personally.
Details:
- For the Vital method, keeping fit may occur in a popular gym or within a group or team setting, but personal exertion is a private matter. Dissociation is self-interested and relations may be personal or impersonal.
- For the Transpersonal method, meditative activities are also primarily private and others are not involved except in a formal, distant or disconnected way. Dissociation is impartial and relations reveal equanimity.
In the Social — Individual zone, stabilization calls for an association with others within suitable social surroundings in ways that ensure beneficial reciprocation.
Details:
- For the Social method, there is a necessity for teamwork and membership of groups, but relationships may be perfunctory or instrumental. So association is group-mediated.
- For the Individual method, associating enables achievement and the receipt of respect or acceptance, which is most likely if reciprocated. So association must be individually selected in order to be genuine and desired.
In the Emotional-sensitive — Sensory zone, stabilization calls for engagement with others through frequent and positive interchanges.
Details:
- For the Emotional-sensitive method, engagement is required to develop emotional role-relationships. These patterns typically have a basis in past history and life in the family of origin. So engagement tends to be stereotyped.
- For the Sensory method, engagement is required to ensure regular positive personal contact, and to get the stimulation and other benefits of social circles. So engagement is adapted to the particular contact and circle.
In the Emotional-empathic — Relational zone, stabilization calls for involvement with others to enable as much closeness as is possible given the circumstances and the other's nature.
Details:
- For the Emotional-empathic method, involvement flows from a genuine appreciation of the other. Involvement depends on context or events and is mostly temporary.
- For the Relational method, involvement is the essential feature, even if its depth varies in accord with the other person and circumstances. Involvement is expected to persist despite events, and become enduring.
If any of these allocations are puzzling, re-visit the TET-plot; and for more detail, review the Methods. Also, see an alternative zoning rationale.
Originally posted: 15-Oct-2014. Last updated: 19-Dec-2014.