Perception leads to Conclusions or Illusions?
We often have perceptions that lead us to conclusions, which often ended in illusions.
jugding by experiences
For example, when we see tears: (In the setting of a psychotherapeutic session, deliverance session, or counseling session etc.)we judge the action by our experiences.
In a psychotherapeutic setting, or a counseling room, we tend to assume the person is sad. In a deliverance setting, we see it as a sign of deliverance, which could resemble sense of guilt and repentance. Then we ask, "Why are you sad?" or in the case of deliverance, "What are the guilts?" and "Do you repent for what you did?" Which in both cases, we are wrong!
Blinding an answer
First, we had "assumed" a feeling for the tears. People who been asked on this question will think and agree with what the therapist had presumed, "I am sad","I have guilts" or "I repent". Our mind work in connection with the others. If we do not start right, we lost the whole battle. We will never find out the true meaning behind the tears, and what is the real feeling of the person. We (both therapist and patient) will be blinded with our own perceptions on our actions. Where it might not always be the truth!
Missing the POINT
Tears would have many meanings. It could be joyous, it could be relief, it could be fear, it could be emotional melting, it could be pain, it could be sadness, it could bring a whole lot of meanings depending on the travel of the mind state of a person. But what we often do is allow our bias to shape our concept at a start of perceiving an issue. What happen next is we MISS THE POINT!!!
Removing our lenses
We need to be aware of what lenses that we are putting on, and how it affect us, and how does this impact on our input to others. Taking a step backward and ask, "What feeling do you have with the tears?" would be a far more better question to lead us to a real state that the person is in, rather than a preconception condition.
Assumption versus Truth
People love to have a suggestion of feelings, so that they need not to work our mind on it. Many of the people do not know what they want, they are preconditioned and co-exist with the values and perceptions that were input to their early experiences. It's not a custom for us to analyze how we breath and why we cry. Cry is often associated with sadness, and smile is associated with joy. Could they have different meanings? Or the actions and the emotions could be totally opposite what we think they are. It's the responsibility of social workers, counselors and deliverance board members to Not to simplify the reason of an simple action when we deal with clients!
We want truth, not an assumption of truth.
Food of thoughts after the dialogue of psychotherapy of East meets West, 06Oct06.
by Dr. Robert Resnick, Dr. David Ho and Dr. Rita.
Showing posts with label Perceptions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perceptions. Show all posts
Friday, October 06, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Relating Perception of Risk to Missions
In the book titled "RISK" by Deborah Lupton:
"Research has shown, for example, that members of social groups that are less powerful tent to be more concerned about risks than members of powerful social groups. Women compare with men, and non-whites compared with whites tend in quantitative surveys to rate their concern about specific risks more highly. "
I think that was very true statement. A powerful social group means a social group that has link to social capitals, where people in this group can access to the collective assets, funds foundation, emotional support, connection to others etc. A powerful social groups results in a sense of secure. When a person is secure, he or she is more ready to rest and relax.
Relating Perception of Risk to Experiences
The same concept applied to our daily experiences. For example, when I know I will have enough money in the bank account to pay for the coming month expenses, I would be far more relax and ensured, and being a state of ready to take risk. But when I am uncertain where the money would come from to pay for the coming month expenses, I developed anxiety, and I would be calculating the risks. On the other hand, when I know my church is behind me in every decision I would make; and they will never fail to pray for me in every situation I'm in, I feel more secure and I'm more ready to take risk. A loving and supporting church will help to produce confidence and loving individuals being as missionaries or tentmakers in the light of the Lord.
Instructions for Service...
However, the sense of risks is altered by situations. The perception of risk for taking a step of faith in the life of Christians as an obedient act to the Lord is different all across the Christians. Some would hold an extreme optimistic view that "When the Lord is with me, who shall be against me?" So, when they were called for a task, they'll go without a serious measurement in their ability because there is a principle in their belief system that "we can do all things through Him".
For example, when the Lord call his disciple to go to the nation, he said, "Do nor acquired gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support" Matthew10:9-10. How would people respond? (A) Go, with only an air ticket and no money in the pocket. (B) Go, with an air ticket and cash for a month. (C) Go, but give me time to prepare, to save money for the ministry. (D) Hah, God must be kidding! He is a humorous God, isn't He?
Who sent more missionaries?
The perceptions of risk to this task varies based on the relationship of one with the Lord, the upbringing of a person, as well as the social capital(social support, collective assets that one can access through the groups etc.) that one has. Baptist would send more missionaries compare to other denominations because of their strong social capitals. The same goes with Jehovah witnesses and Mormons.
Meeting no ends.....
We can start off in faith, but then when in practical we meet no end, we become desperate. For a Christian, we pray fervently for our situation. Asking for the Lord to have mercy on us, to deliver us from the crisis, and often when we do that as if God had turned His eyes away from us. An investor begins to develop anxieties, visiting from bank to bank, trying to resolve the crisis in his investment. When this happens, our psychology state in perceive the risks begin to raise to another level. The risks had not changed. From beginning to the end the risk is the same. But then, our perception of risks changed.
Desperato...
Most missionaries struggle to maintain their financial support, and they are no different. Since 1992, they have shared their mission story in more than 100 ...(www.dominicanepiscopalchurch.org/ DrWEBenglish/snowmision/our_story.htm ) Of course, there are many more stories, even the great Father of Missions had his stories of faith.
Men v.s. God
Why are the missionaries worried? A good missionary should not have worries. Our provision is from God and not from man. Then, why do they worry? Is it because they do not trust God?
God provides. Man plays a part too. The book of James has a good teaching in this. In fact, Jesus mentioned about the duties of man be it the believed or non-believed in the four Gospels.
Would a fact that when the church back home cares much about their missionaries in their livinghood and also missions needs, helps to ease the worries of their missionaries?
Duties of the church......
In the biblical sense, God will provides, through men or through miracles. But then God do keep record of the deeds of His own people. The judgment begins in the house of God.
Church, "devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well..."Colossians4:2,3a "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now" Phi1:3-6.
"Research has shown, for example, that members of social groups that are less powerful tent to be more concerned about risks than members of powerful social groups. Women compare with men, and non-whites compared with whites tend in quantitative surveys to rate their concern about specific risks more highly. "
I think that was very true statement. A powerful social group means a social group that has link to social capitals, where people in this group can access to the collective assets, funds foundation, emotional support, connection to others etc. A powerful social groups results in a sense of secure. When a person is secure, he or she is more ready to rest and relax.
Relating Perception of Risk to Experiences
The same concept applied to our daily experiences. For example, when I know I will have enough money in the bank account to pay for the coming month expenses, I would be far more relax and ensured, and being a state of ready to take risk. But when I am uncertain where the money would come from to pay for the coming month expenses, I developed anxiety, and I would be calculating the risks. On the other hand, when I know my church is behind me in every decision I would make; and they will never fail to pray for me in every situation I'm in, I feel more secure and I'm more ready to take risk. A loving and supporting church will help to produce confidence and loving individuals being as missionaries or tentmakers in the light of the Lord.
Instructions for Service...
However, the sense of risks is altered by situations. The perception of risk for taking a step of faith in the life of Christians as an obedient act to the Lord is different all across the Christians. Some would hold an extreme optimistic view that "When the Lord is with me, who shall be against me?" So, when they were called for a task, they'll go without a serious measurement in their ability because there is a principle in their belief system that "we can do all things through Him".
For example, when the Lord call his disciple to go to the nation, he said, "Do nor acquired gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support" Matthew10:9-10. How would people respond? (A) Go, with only an air ticket and no money in the pocket. (B) Go, with an air ticket and cash for a month. (C) Go, but give me time to prepare, to save money for the ministry. (D) Hah, God must be kidding! He is a humorous God, isn't He?
Who sent more missionaries?
The perceptions of risk to this task varies based on the relationship of one with the Lord, the upbringing of a person, as well as the social capital(social support, collective assets that one can access through the groups etc.) that one has. Baptist would send more missionaries compare to other denominations because of their strong social capitals. The same goes with Jehovah witnesses and Mormons.
Meeting no ends.....
We can start off in faith, but then when in practical we meet no end, we become desperate. For a Christian, we pray fervently for our situation. Asking for the Lord to have mercy on us, to deliver us from the crisis, and often when we do that as if God had turned His eyes away from us. An investor begins to develop anxieties, visiting from bank to bank, trying to resolve the crisis in his investment. When this happens, our psychology state in perceive the risks begin to raise to another level. The risks had not changed. From beginning to the end the risk is the same. But then, our perception of risks changed.
Desperato...
Most missionaries struggle to maintain their financial support, and they are no different. Since 1992, they have shared their mission story in more than 100 ...(www.dominicanepiscopalchurch.org/ DrWEBenglish/snowmision/our_story.htm ) Of course, there are many more stories, even the great Father of Missions had his stories of faith.
Men v.s. God
Why are the missionaries worried? A good missionary should not have worries. Our provision is from God and not from man. Then, why do they worry? Is it because they do not trust God?
God provides. Man plays a part too. The book of James has a good teaching in this. In fact, Jesus mentioned about the duties of man be it the believed or non-believed in the four Gospels.
Would a fact that when the church back home cares much about their missionaries in their livinghood and also missions needs, helps to ease the worries of their missionaries?
Duties of the church......
In the biblical sense, God will provides, through men or through miracles. But then God do keep record of the deeds of His own people. The judgment begins in the house of God.
Church, "devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well..."Colossians4:2,3a "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now" Phi1:3-6.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wearing Turbans On A Bike
I saw a pizza delivery man on a bike this afternoon. He was wearing a turban instead of a helmet.
Then, I recalled what my Sikh friend said to me, being a Sikh, they don't wear helmet, and most of the time was legal. It's true, when my friend was in Korea, he was the only one who being exempted from wearing a helmet when he joined the DMZ tour. It seems like the turban itself is strong enough to protect him from any head injury.
Of course, the only reason that I could think of for this "legacy" is the sensitiveness when it comes to religion.
And the rasional in allowing it would be "peace". Nevertheless, the people who chose a turban over a helmet had took a risk. In India, most people do not wear helmet, so the risk is not threatening because they fall into majority. But how about places outside India? Why the Sikhs still prefer turbans than the helmet when they are involved in dangerous occupation, such as construction, delivery man etc. ? Maybe the risk of loosing an identity is greater than getting hurt in an accident.
The Sikhs have to face their community "daily". And this community is well known with close social bonding. Accidents do occur, but it might not happen to "me". And when it happens, it will either involving head injuries or non-head injuries. The chances are fifty-fifty. But often, when it involve head injuries, the victim is very unlikely to survive. The impact is great and dreadful, but it became "less" threatening when it does not affect you and me "daily".
Then I wonder, do these people realize that they are taking a risk after some times? Would this risk taking enables them to be more cautious on the road? What is the death rate of a victim who do not wear a helmet? What is the death rate of the victim not wearing a helmet in India? And what is the rate of cause of mortality was deal to not wearing a helmet when accident occurred? Is that something that Public Health Officer can do about this situation?
It's really hard to figure out all these... Help!
Then, I recalled what my Sikh friend said to me, being a Sikh, they don't wear helmet, and most of the time was legal. It's true, when my friend was in Korea, he was the only one who being exempted from wearing a helmet when he joined the DMZ tour. It seems like the turban itself is strong enough to protect him from any head injury.
Of course, the only reason that I could think of for this "legacy" is the sensitiveness when it comes to religion.
And the rasional in allowing it would be "peace". Nevertheless, the people who chose a turban over a helmet had took a risk. In India, most people do not wear helmet, so the risk is not threatening because they fall into majority. But how about places outside India? Why the Sikhs still prefer turbans than the helmet when they are involved in dangerous occupation, such as construction, delivery man etc. ? Maybe the risk of loosing an identity is greater than getting hurt in an accident.
The Sikhs have to face their community "daily". And this community is well known with close social bonding. Accidents do occur, but it might not happen to "me". And when it happens, it will either involving head injuries or non-head injuries. The chances are fifty-fifty. But often, when it involve head injuries, the victim is very unlikely to survive. The impact is great and dreadful, but it became "less" threatening when it does not affect you and me "daily".
Then I wonder, do these people realize that they are taking a risk after some times? Would this risk taking enables them to be more cautious on the road? What is the death rate of a victim who do not wear a helmet? What is the death rate of the victim not wearing a helmet in India? And what is the rate of cause of mortality was deal to not wearing a helmet when accident occurred? Is that something that Public Health Officer can do about this situation?
It's really hard to figure out all these... Help!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Execellent Infant Mortality Rate v.s. Declining Birth Rate
Success of Japan In Infant Mortality
Japan had done an excellent job in the maternal and child health. A sharp reduction of infant mortality was observed in 1975. Now, Japan is one of the lowest among the developed countries.
What had the Public Health policies that were implemented to achieve such significant result?
Public Health Practice
Excellent Maternal Care & Follow Up of Infants
It was claimed to be the success of MHC (Municipal Health Center). Pregnant mothers were given free health guidance and preventive medical activities as well as a health record for the child through the course of pregnancy and after birth. Health guidance and consultation by public health nurses may continue after birth especially when the new born babies are weighed 2500mg or less, in which case parents are required to report to the local public health centers to prompt them for quick action.
Mass Screening for Diseases
All newborn babies are entitled for public funded mass screening to detect congenital metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria, and for the babies born to HB positive mothers, immunoglobulin and vaccination will be provided as part of health insurance benefit.
To detect preventable causes of intellectual impairments such as phenylketouria, cretinism, neuroblastoma etc. mass screening program for neonates has been conducted since 1977.
Insurance
For very low birth weight babies who require intensive care after birth, health insurance coverage starts on the first day of their births as dependent family status of their parent's health insurance. The usually required 20-30% co-payment will be waived by public funding for the babies whose birth weight below 2000g. All babies are entitled to free well-baby check ups twice at the age of 1.5 years and 3 years, all of which are provided by municipal governments.
Efforts of Public Health v.s. Declination of Birth Rate
Looking into these measurements that the government had taken, we could see the weight of attention in the newborns, or with the younger generations of tomorrow. But then, ironically inspite of all these excellent facilities, the birth rate in Japan is continue in decline. The alarming birth rate figure had left Japan into a futureless tomorrow within the next 50 years, accompany with huge aging unproductive problems. What is happening in Japan? If maternal and infant care is not the setback for having a baby, then what is the reason for not having babies?
Values
Risks and Perceptions
Could it be a medical issue? Could it be a moral issue? Or could it be a perception issue? Or could it be the finance burdens in raising up a child? Comparing the baby blooms immediate after WW2 and 1970s, it clearly depicts a change of value in the lives of the Japanese. Could we tell what is happening in the society?
My interest is about is there some kind of "risks" for the Japanese women to have babies? And if yes, what are their concerns?
Another interesting finding is, although there were massive screenings for congenital metabolic diseases for the babies, but in a somewhat odd contrast, intrauterine diagnoses of Down syndrome and other detectable anomalies are not actively performed. Why? Is this a cost problem? Or is this something to deal with the perceptions?
May God help us in understanding.
References: 1. Public Health Japan, 2005
Japan had done an excellent job in the maternal and child health. A sharp reduction of infant mortality was observed in 1975. Now, Japan is one of the lowest among the developed countries.
What had the Public Health policies that were implemented to achieve such significant result?
Public Health Practice
Excellent Maternal Care & Follow Up of Infants
It was claimed to be the success of MHC (Municipal Health Center). Pregnant mothers were given free health guidance and preventive medical activities as well as a health record for the child through the course of pregnancy and after birth. Health guidance and consultation by public health nurses may continue after birth especially when the new born babies are weighed 2500mg or less, in which case parents are required to report to the local public health centers to prompt them for quick action.
Mass Screening for Diseases
All newborn babies are entitled for public funded mass screening to detect congenital metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria, and for the babies born to HB positive mothers, immunoglobulin and vaccination will be provided as part of health insurance benefit.
To detect preventable causes of intellectual impairments such as phenylketouria, cretinism, neuroblastoma etc. mass screening program for neonates has been conducted since 1977.
Insurance
For very low birth weight babies who require intensive care after birth, health insurance coverage starts on the first day of their births as dependent family status of their parent's health insurance. The usually required 20-30% co-payment will be waived by public funding for the babies whose birth weight below 2000g. All babies are entitled to free well-baby check ups twice at the age of 1.5 years and 3 years, all of which are provided by municipal governments.
Efforts of Public Health v.s. Declination of Birth Rate
Looking into these measurements that the government had taken, we could see the weight of attention in the newborns, or with the younger generations of tomorrow. But then, ironically inspite of all these excellent facilities, the birth rate in Japan is continue in decline. The alarming birth rate figure had left Japan into a futureless tomorrow within the next 50 years, accompany with huge aging unproductive problems. What is happening in Japan? If maternal and infant care is not the setback for having a baby, then what is the reason for not having babies?
Values
Risks and Perceptions
Could it be a medical issue? Could it be a moral issue? Or could it be a perception issue? Or could it be the finance burdens in raising up a child? Comparing the baby blooms immediate after WW2 and 1970s, it clearly depicts a change of value in the lives of the Japanese. Could we tell what is happening in the society?
My interest is about is there some kind of "risks" for the Japanese women to have babies? And if yes, what are their concerns?
Another interesting finding is, although there were massive screenings for congenital metabolic diseases for the babies, but in a somewhat odd contrast, intrauterine diagnoses of Down syndrome and other detectable anomalies are not actively performed. Why? Is this a cost problem? Or is this something to deal with the perceptions?
May God help us in understanding.
References: 1. Public Health Japan, 2005
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