Give Space to?Embrace

The complexity and uncertainty we live in, the need for new sustainable solutions, the agenda of diversity and inclusion, the digital technology that accelerates everything. It is easy to get caught up in the tsunami and dragged away from what is important in life.?

We all risk becoming narrow-sighted, flat-minded and stressed-out. In these emergency states, we become less embracing and more excluding, which lead directly to disturbed and impaired decision-making. Too often, we see good intentions of sustainable and inclusive outcomes sacrificed for quick fixes and practical solutions.

Have you ever observed a group of busy professionals striving to reach an agreement, and wondered where that particular decision came from? Nobody was really present and engaged in the process. Was it the loudest voice, the routine pattern or a random selection that won?

The more complex the problem, the more diverse the group, and the more urgency, the harder it becomes to make balanced and informed decisions. Without individual awareness, it is impossible. If the mental space of each person is flat and full, the resonance and synchronicity between minds are never established.?

Of course, it helps to have a common model of decision-making , but it is even more crucial to learn to give space and establish a shared scope of mind. Especially if you want to make bold decisions beyond expectation and imagination?—?to benefit not only the few, but also the many.

The psychological notion scope of mind refers to what we are aware of and have access to at any given moment. It is important, because what we are aware of and hold in our minds will attract energy, be cultivated, and eventually manifest.

The scope of mind shapes our perception of what is true or false in the world, possible or impossible, important or unimportant, wanted or unwanted. It directly influences our decision-making and action taking.

When we enter a certain scope of mind, we activate a cluster of preset attitudes and automatic reactions. The advantage is we don’t have to waste energy on thinking. We behave in accordance with the scope of the mind. Naturally and often unconsciously.

The drawback is that identifying with a particular scope of mind can influence our thoughts to a degree where we are ready to defend, fight for?—?and in the extreme die for?—?a principle, position or property.?

Much suffering in the world comes from identification with one scope of mind, while ignoring or fighting the others. A pity, as we can all learn to choose our scope of mind and freely move between them.

Let me show you how I do by using a simple scale, XS to XL, known from the clothing industry, where each size (scope of mind) has its own flow, issues, focus, and default setting.?

XS?—?the habitual scope of?mind

The flow of energy and information is physical and chemical, oriented around bodily sensations. The main issue is the survival of the organism, and the focus is on stability, predictability and safety.

With a habitual or XS scope of mind, the default setting is more of the same.

S?—?the individual scope of?mind

The flow of energy and information is psychological, with ongoing inner dialogue. The main issue is the success of the individual, and the focus is on opportunity, achievement, and fulfillment.

With an individual or S scope of mind, the default setting is more to me.

M?—?the tribal scope of?mind

The flow of energy and information is social; it is about me and you, us and our shared reality. The main issues are the protection and expansion of the tribal structure and culture. The focus is on stability, reliability, and flexibility.

With a tribal or M scope of mind, the default setting is more of us.

L?—?the global scope of?mind

The flow of energy and information is conceptual, technical and virtual. The main issues are balance, distribution, and integration. The focus is on interchange, sustainability, and co-existence.

With a global or L scope of mind, the default setting is less is more.

XL?—?the universal scope of?mind

The flow of energy and information is existential and spiritual. The main issues are peace, freedom, and unity. The focus is on presence, awakening, and enlightenment.

With a universal or XL scope of mind, the default setting is all is one?.

The habitual, individual and tribal scopes of mind?—?XS, S, and M?—?form what I call the ego mindset. It’s needed in the intense fight for survival and success in the world. However, it also tends to keep you locked in the outer world of achievement, with little or no energy left for higher purposes and just causes.

The global and universal scope of mind?—?L and XL?—?is the eco mindset. It opens to the larger world and the bigger picture. It allows you to access the unknown and turn each moment into a present for the future.

It is natural for us to act from an ego mindset. Our brains developed to secure physical survival and social success. To shift to an eco mindset is not complicated?—?altruism is, after all, a human trait?—?but to keep the wider scope in the moment of truth where choices are made is much harder. It’s neither nature nor nurture.

If you want to work actively with expanding the scope of mind to improve your decision-making, here are some suggestions:

• Shift the scope of mind. Next time you are in a group discussion, try to identify which scope of mind each person is in. If possible, shift the group perception to a shared (wider) scope of mind?—?for instance by asking questions or telling stories related to the desired scope. Watch how being in the same scope of mind influences the ideas you have, the choices you make, and the actions you take as a group.
• Test for a triple yes. In the future, when you are in a choice situation about acquiring or wasting something, ask this simple question: Is it good for me, for life around me, and for the planet? If you get a triple yes, you should do it?—?if not, you should reconsider.
• Stretch your ambition. Take a break from your daily schedule and use the time-out as a time-in. Let your mind become spacious and open, for instance, by deepening your breath for a few minutes. Then ask yourself what you want of life? Can you make sense of your desire in all scopes of mind? If yes, you may have found yourself a cause worth living for.

Being aware of your scope of mind is a good starting point for better decision-making. Next comes the will and skill to shift from an ego mindset to a geo mindset. With practice, it becomes natural. When you give space, you will embrace life in a new way and find beauty you never expected.

The scope of mind is an innervative concept. Consciuos innervation is part of the transperiental matrix.