Definition - differentiation is a process in which a person moves toward a more intentional and thoughtful way of life (and a less automatic - reactive way of functioning)....it is the relative ability of people to guide their own functioning by:
- thinking clearly
- acting on principle
- defining self by taking a position
- coming to know more about their own instinctive reactions to others
- learning to regulate those reactions
- staying in contact with others
- choosing a responsible course of action
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Thank you for highlighting this valuable concept. Of course, this is all much more easier said than done! We live in a pretty reactive environment, fueled by the media. But I believe living this way is the best contribution to the common good we can make.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder Margaret. We certainly do live in anxious times, and Bowen actually published his thoughts on what he called 'societal regression'. Have you seen Edwin H. Friedman's book - Failure of Nerve - Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix? His chapter Two - A Society in Regression really does a great job of highlighting this problem. I will put more on the Rhino Ramblings soon about this.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
O'