-
SEM131 - Ambiguity
This E-Lecture discusses and exemplifies the phenomenon of ambiguity, ranging from lexical to pragmatic. And as usual, Prof. Handke uses numerous examples to illustrate this ubiquous property of natural language expressions.
published: 04 Jun 2013
-
Embracing Ambiguity | Natalie Bowker | TEDxMcMinnville
Natalie Bowker has had a wide range of experiences that have led her to think deeply about loss, and even further, into ambiguous loss - what it means to grieve something we can’t define. During her talk at TEDxMcMinnville, she encouraged all to embrace the ambiguity in our lives. Natalie Bowker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her 20 year long career has traversed many unique work environments, including: counseling in schools, wilderness therapy, grief counseling, consulting for Optum Global Health, and behavioral health consulting in a local OB/GYN. For the past 10 years, she has enjoyed teaching graduate students at various universities in Minneapolis and Portland. The lesser known topic of Ambiguous Loss is on she knows quite intimately, and has a clinical focus on this...
published: 26 Feb 2020
-
Ambiguous Grammar
TOC: Ambiguous Grammar
This Lecture shows what are Ambiguous Grammars and shows an example of an Ambiguous Grammar
Contribute: http://www.nesoacademy.org/donate
Website ► http://www.nesoacademy.org/
Facebook ► https://goo.gl/Nt0PmB
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/nesoacademy
Pinterest ► http://www.pinterest.com/nesoacademy/
Music:
Axol x Alex Skrindo - You [NCS Release]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA_p0rQtDXE
published: 30 Mar 2017
-
Structural Ambiguity - Syntax Video #3
Sometimes a single sentence has more than one meaning. A group of linguists explore prepositional phrase attachment ambiguity.
Twitter @lingvids
LingVids is created by Caroline Andrews, Leland Paul Kusmer, Gretchen McCulloch, and Joshua Levy.
For a more detailed introduction to syntax, see the How to Draw Syntax Trees series starting at: http://allthingslinguistic.com/post/100357884082/how-to-draw-syntax-trees-part-1-so-you-asked
Music is composed by Kevin MacLeod and used under a Creative Commons License. The track can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8CAH0vsoPM
LingVids is no longer being updated, but one of its creators is now cohosting a linguistics podcast called Lingthusiasm. You can listen to it on youtube, iTunes, soundcloud, or wherever else you get your podcas...
published: 02 May 2015
-
Ambiguity: Intro to Linguistics [Video 9]
Ambiguity is an important concept in Linguistics, that has to do with words and phrases that can mean more than one thing.
To see the other videos in this Linguistics 101 video course, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLubrGCAArIjAe8j-CSxQZ9D6IXv8iEs3-
0:00 What is Ambiguity?
0:38 Types of Ambiguity
1:10 Lexical Ambiguity
1:37 Figurative Ambiguity
2:06 Morphological Ambiguity
2:52 Scope Ambiguity
5:08 Structural Ambiguity (Syntactic Ambiguity)
7:39 Pragmatic Ambiguity
8:35 Speech Act Ambiguity
My new language learning book is available in English, Spanish, French, Thai, and Toki Pona. To view on Amazon, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Fingtam-Languages/e/B086RVV53V?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1593447366&sr=8-1
For more information, click here: https://www.patreon.com...
published: 28 Sep 2020
-
Tolerating ambiguity -- being OK with not knowing! | Miriam Giguere | TEDxSoleburySchool
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How does it feel when you don't have an answer to a question? Uncertainty is not necessarily a bad thing. Find out why.
Miriam Giguere holds a BA in psychology and an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in dance from Temple University. Dr. Giguere directs the dance program at Drexel University. Before Drexel, she toured nationally and internationally with professional modern dance companies Ann Vachon / Dance Conduit, South Street Dance Company and Terry Beck Troupe. Dr. Giguere's research interests are on cognition during the creative process in dance and the development of context driven dance curriculum. Her research has been published in Arts Education Policy Review, Jo...
published: 16 Jun 2014
-
Syntax: Trees and Ambiguity
Learn here how to represent ambiguity in phrase structure tree.
You can support my work by doing any (combination) or all of the following:
• Like this video.
• Like my Facebook page ‘Aze Linguistics’ and follow me on Instagram (‘azelinguist2’).
• Share the video with others.
• Subscribe to my channel (and bang the bell to be notified of future posts).
• Make a PayPal donation to [email protected].
• Pledge regular donations as low as $1.00 per month on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AzeLinguistics).
COPYRIGHT: Royalty-free
Sound: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary (including ‘Game Plan’ by Bad Snacks; ‘Venetian’ by Density & Time; ‘Clean Break’ by Clean Break).
(Some) Pictures: https://pixabay.com/
published: 05 Aug 2020
-
Dealing With Ambiguity
“The secret to happiness is a high tolerance for ambiguity.” Sam Buser, Ph.D.
I’m not absolutely sure that Sam is the original source for this quote, but he is the professor I first heard it from when I was getting my Ph.D. about 25 years ago. Ever since then, I have reminded myself of the wisdom of this quote when I find myself in situations that aren’t going exactly as planned, or when I am being asked to change my plans or adapt to others change of plans at the last minute.
Of course, there are times when ambiguity is not something to be accepted and/or tolerated. Knowing where the exits are in a theater is a good example, as is knowing the qualities and characteristics you have chosen to guide your life.
In so many other situations, however, I have found a high tolerance for amb...
published: 04 Feb 2017
21:27
SEM131 - Ambiguity
This E-Lecture discusses and exemplifies the phenomenon of ambiguity, ranging from lexical to pragmatic. And as usual, Prof. Handke uses numerous examples to il...
This E-Lecture discusses and exemplifies the phenomenon of ambiguity, ranging from lexical to pragmatic. And as usual, Prof. Handke uses numerous examples to illustrate this ubiquous property of natural language expressions.
https://wn.com/Sem131_Ambiguity
This E-Lecture discusses and exemplifies the phenomenon of ambiguity, ranging from lexical to pragmatic. And as usual, Prof. Handke uses numerous examples to illustrate this ubiquous property of natural language expressions.
- published: 04 Jun 2013
- views: 78220
14:56
Embracing Ambiguity | Natalie Bowker | TEDxMcMinnville
Natalie Bowker has had a wide range of experiences that have led her to think deeply about loss, and even further, into ambiguous loss - what it means to grieve...
Natalie Bowker has had a wide range of experiences that have led her to think deeply about loss, and even further, into ambiguous loss - what it means to grieve something we can’t define. During her talk at TEDxMcMinnville, she encouraged all to embrace the ambiguity in our lives. Natalie Bowker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her 20 year long career has traversed many unique work environments, including: counseling in schools, wilderness therapy, grief counseling, consulting for Optum Global Health, and behavioral health consulting in a local OB/GYN. For the past 10 years, she has enjoyed teaching graduate students at various universities in Minneapolis and Portland. The lesser known topic of Ambiguous Loss is on she knows quite intimately, and has a clinical focus on this topic. Natalie is also a yoga instructor and mother of two girls. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
https://wn.com/Embracing_Ambiguity_|_Natalie_Bowker_|_Tedxmcminnville
Natalie Bowker has had a wide range of experiences that have led her to think deeply about loss, and even further, into ambiguous loss - what it means to grieve something we can’t define. During her talk at TEDxMcMinnville, she encouraged all to embrace the ambiguity in our lives. Natalie Bowker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Her 20 year long career has traversed many unique work environments, including: counseling in schools, wilderness therapy, grief counseling, consulting for Optum Global Health, and behavioral health consulting in a local OB/GYN. For the past 10 years, she has enjoyed teaching graduate students at various universities in Minneapolis and Portland. The lesser known topic of Ambiguous Loss is on she knows quite intimately, and has a clinical focus on this topic. Natalie is also a yoga instructor and mother of two girls. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- published: 26 Feb 2020
- views: 6569
5:44
Ambiguous Grammar
TOC: Ambiguous Grammar
This Lecture shows what are Ambiguous Grammars and shows an example of an Ambiguous Grammar
Contribute: http://www.nesoacademy.org/dona...
TOC: Ambiguous Grammar
This Lecture shows what are Ambiguous Grammars and shows an example of an Ambiguous Grammar
Contribute: http://www.nesoacademy.org/donate
Website ► http://www.nesoacademy.org/
Facebook ► https://goo.gl/Nt0PmB
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/nesoacademy
Pinterest ► http://www.pinterest.com/nesoacademy/
Music:
Axol x Alex Skrindo - You [NCS Release]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA_p0rQtDXE
https://wn.com/Ambiguous_Grammar
TOC: Ambiguous Grammar
This Lecture shows what are Ambiguous Grammars and shows an example of an Ambiguous Grammar
Contribute: http://www.nesoacademy.org/donate
Website ► http://www.nesoacademy.org/
Facebook ► https://goo.gl/Nt0PmB
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/nesoacademy
Pinterest ► http://www.pinterest.com/nesoacademy/
Music:
Axol x Alex Skrindo - You [NCS Release]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA_p0rQtDXE
- published: 30 Mar 2017
- views: 841879
4:50
Structural Ambiguity - Syntax Video #3
Sometimes a single sentence has more than one meaning. A group of linguists explore prepositional phrase attachment ambiguity.
Twitter @lingvids
LingVids is c...
Sometimes a single sentence has more than one meaning. A group of linguists explore prepositional phrase attachment ambiguity.
Twitter @lingvids
LingVids is created by Caroline Andrews, Leland Paul Kusmer, Gretchen McCulloch, and Joshua Levy.
For a more detailed introduction to syntax, see the How to Draw Syntax Trees series starting at: http://allthingslinguistic.com/post/100357884082/how-to-draw-syntax-trees-part-1-so-you-asked
Music is composed by Kevin MacLeod and used under a Creative Commons License. The track can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8CAH0vsoPM
LingVids is no longer being updated, but one of its creators is now cohosting a linguistics podcast called Lingthusiasm. You can listen to it on youtube, iTunes, soundcloud, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
https://wn.com/Structural_Ambiguity_Syntax_Video_3
Sometimes a single sentence has more than one meaning. A group of linguists explore prepositional phrase attachment ambiguity.
Twitter @lingvids
LingVids is created by Caroline Andrews, Leland Paul Kusmer, Gretchen McCulloch, and Joshua Levy.
For a more detailed introduction to syntax, see the How to Draw Syntax Trees series starting at: http://allthingslinguistic.com/post/100357884082/how-to-draw-syntax-trees-part-1-so-you-asked
Music is composed by Kevin MacLeod and used under a Creative Commons License. The track can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8CAH0vsoPM
LingVids is no longer being updated, but one of its creators is now cohosting a linguistics podcast called Lingthusiasm. You can listen to it on youtube, iTunes, soundcloud, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
- published: 02 May 2015
- views: 76668
9:34
Ambiguity: Intro to Linguistics [Video 9]
Ambiguity is an important concept in Linguistics, that has to do with words and phrases that can mean more than one thing.
To see the other videos in this Ling...
Ambiguity is an important concept in Linguistics, that has to do with words and phrases that can mean more than one thing.
To see the other videos in this Linguistics 101 video course, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLubrGCAArIjAe8j-CSxQZ9D6IXv8iEs3-
0:00 What is Ambiguity?
0:38 Types of Ambiguity
1:10 Lexical Ambiguity
1:37 Figurative Ambiguity
2:06 Morphological Ambiguity
2:52 Scope Ambiguity
5:08 Structural Ambiguity (Syntactic Ambiguity)
7:39 Pragmatic Ambiguity
8:35 Speech Act Ambiguity
My new language learning book is available in English, Spanish, French, Thai, and Toki Pona. To view on Amazon, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Fingtam-Languages/e/B086RVV53V?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1593447366&sr=8-1
For more information, click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-new-book-on-35355037
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
New to my channel?
Welcome! I am an aspiring polyglot with a degree in Linguistics. I speak English, Spanish, French, and Esperanto, and I'm currently working on Thai. I make videos twice a week to talk about my methods of learning languages and to try to help others make language learning faster, easier, and more fun.
•Twitter: https://twitter.com/fingtamLangs
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fingtam.languages/?hl=en
•My Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FingtamLanguages
•Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/FingtamLanguages?sub_confirmation=1
https://wn.com/Ambiguity_Intro_To_Linguistics_Video_9
Ambiguity is an important concept in Linguistics, that has to do with words and phrases that can mean more than one thing.
To see the other videos in this Linguistics 101 video course, click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLubrGCAArIjAe8j-CSxQZ9D6IXv8iEs3-
0:00 What is Ambiguity?
0:38 Types of Ambiguity
1:10 Lexical Ambiguity
1:37 Figurative Ambiguity
2:06 Morphological Ambiguity
2:52 Scope Ambiguity
5:08 Structural Ambiguity (Syntactic Ambiguity)
7:39 Pragmatic Ambiguity
8:35 Speech Act Ambiguity
My new language learning book is available in English, Spanish, French, Thai, and Toki Pona. To view on Amazon, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Fingtam-Languages/e/B086RVV53V?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1593447366&sr=8-1
For more information, click here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-new-book-on-35355037
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
New to my channel?
Welcome! I am an aspiring polyglot with a degree in Linguistics. I speak English, Spanish, French, and Esperanto, and I'm currently working on Thai. I make videos twice a week to talk about my methods of learning languages and to try to help others make language learning faster, easier, and more fun.
•Twitter: https://twitter.com/fingtamLangs
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fingtam.languages/?hl=en
•My Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/FingtamLanguages
•Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/FingtamLanguages?sub_confirmation=1
- published: 28 Sep 2020
- views: 12737
17:21
Tolerating ambiguity -- being OK with not knowing! | Miriam Giguere | TEDxSoleburySchool
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How does it feel when you don't have an answer to a question? Uncertai...
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How does it feel when you don't have an answer to a question? Uncertainty is not necessarily a bad thing. Find out why.
Miriam Giguere holds a BA in psychology and an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in dance from Temple University. Dr. Giguere directs the dance program at Drexel University. Before Drexel, she toured nationally and internationally with professional modern dance companies Ann Vachon / Dance Conduit, South Street Dance Company and Terry Beck Troupe. Dr. Giguere's research interests are on cognition during the creative process in dance and the development of context driven dance curriculum. Her research has been published in Arts Education Policy Review, Journal of Dance Education, Selected Dance Research, Vol 6, Arts & Learning Journal, Research in Dance Education and the International Journal of Education and the Arts. Dr. Giguere is the 2009 recipient of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Arts and Learning Special Interest Group national dissertation award. She was the keynote speaker for Dance Education Conference 2010 in Singapore.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
https://wn.com/Tolerating_Ambiguity_Being_Ok_With_Not_Knowing_|_Miriam_Giguere_|_Tedxsoleburyschool
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How does it feel when you don't have an answer to a question? Uncertainty is not necessarily a bad thing. Find out why.
Miriam Giguere holds a BA in psychology and an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in dance from Temple University. Dr. Giguere directs the dance program at Drexel University. Before Drexel, she toured nationally and internationally with professional modern dance companies Ann Vachon / Dance Conduit, South Street Dance Company and Terry Beck Troupe. Dr. Giguere's research interests are on cognition during the creative process in dance and the development of context driven dance curriculum. Her research has been published in Arts Education Policy Review, Journal of Dance Education, Selected Dance Research, Vol 6, Arts & Learning Journal, Research in Dance Education and the International Journal of Education and the Arts. Dr. Giguere is the 2009 recipient of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Arts and Learning Special Interest Group national dissertation award. She was the keynote speaker for Dance Education Conference 2010 in Singapore.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
- published: 16 Jun 2014
- views: 29368
7:22
Syntax: Trees and Ambiguity
Learn here how to represent ambiguity in phrase structure tree.
You can support my work by doing any (combination) or all of the following:
• Like this video.
...
Learn here how to represent ambiguity in phrase structure tree.
You can support my work by doing any (combination) or all of the following:
• Like this video.
• Like my Facebook page ‘Aze Linguistics’ and follow me on Instagram (‘azelinguist2’).
• Share the video with others.
• Subscribe to my channel (and bang the bell to be notified of future posts).
• Make a PayPal donation to
[email protected].
• Pledge regular donations as low as $1.00 per month on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AzeLinguistics).
COPYRIGHT: Royalty-free
Sound: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary (including ‘Game Plan’ by Bad Snacks; ‘Venetian’ by Density & Time; ‘Clean Break’ by Clean Break).
(Some) Pictures: https://pixabay.com/
https://wn.com/Syntax_Trees_And_Ambiguity
Learn here how to represent ambiguity in phrase structure tree.
You can support my work by doing any (combination) or all of the following:
• Like this video.
• Like my Facebook page ‘Aze Linguistics’ and follow me on Instagram (‘azelinguist2’).
• Share the video with others.
• Subscribe to my channel (and bang the bell to be notified of future posts).
• Make a PayPal donation to
[email protected].
• Pledge regular donations as low as $1.00 per month on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/AzeLinguistics).
COPYRIGHT: Royalty-free
Sound: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary (including ‘Game Plan’ by Bad Snacks; ‘Venetian’ by Density & Time; ‘Clean Break’ by Clean Break).
(Some) Pictures: https://pixabay.com/
- published: 05 Aug 2020
- views: 47816
4:55
Dealing With Ambiguity
“The secret to happiness is a high tolerance for ambiguity.” Sam Buser, Ph.D.
I’m not absolutely sure that Sam is the original source for this quote, but he ...
“The secret to happiness is a high tolerance for ambiguity.” Sam Buser, Ph.D.
I’m not absolutely sure that Sam is the original source for this quote, but he is the professor I first heard it from when I was getting my Ph.D. about 25 years ago. Ever since then, I have reminded myself of the wisdom of this quote when I find myself in situations that aren’t going exactly as planned, or when I am being asked to change my plans or adapt to others change of plans at the last minute.
Of course, there are times when ambiguity is not something to be accepted and/or tolerated. Knowing where the exits are in a theater is a good example, as is knowing the qualities and characteristics you have chosen to guide your life.
In so many other situations, however, I have found a high tolerance for ambiguity to be most helpful in maintaining my peace of mind and allowing me to bring my best to whatever situation I’m faced with.
Unfortunately, for many, this is not the case. They find ambiguity to be stressful, annoying, or even frightening. This is understandable, given what we know about how the brain works. The part of our brain that is responsible for reacting to life and keeping us alive (the middle brain, or limbic system) sees ambiguity as a big problem. And ambiguity was potentially a problem in our distant past when we didn’t know whether the animal or person approaching us was dangerous. In these cases, we became hyper-alert, our muscles tensed, and our heart rate quickened so that we could either fight or flee at a moment's notice.
Unfortunately, today, this part of the brain is still functioning in the same way, which results in it seeing many things as problems or threats to our safety when they really aren’t. In fact, if we look back on the situations where a lack of information or ambiguity was a factor (changes in plans, unexpected delays, etc.), chances are, few if any were truly fight-or-flight situations.
Therefore, if we want to have more influence in our lives and in the lives of others today, we must become more influential in how our limbic system interprets ambiguous situations versus simply letting it react in it’s old “fight-or-flight” manner. This will require that we redefine ambiguity as “interesting” versus problematic, and become clear about how we want to respond to these situations in the future. Here is where I like to bring in four questions that I call “The Four Criteria,” because I believe that they can give us clarity as we look for ways to have more influence in our lives.
For example, if we find ourselves reacting to an ambiguous situation with worry, stress, or anxiety, we can ask:
• Have I chosen this way of reacting on purpose?
• Is it working well for me?
• Do I want to be defined this way (as someone who reacts to ambiguity with ____)?
• Would I teach this reaction to someone I loved?
Given that the answer to these questions will almost always be, “No!” we can then use them to determine how we would like to respond, i.e., in a way that defines who we are and that we would recommend to those we love.
Chances are that tolerant (versus stressed, or worried) would be one of these more purposeful responses, and given that this decision and this quality come from the more purposeful part of the brain (the neocortex), this will allow us to have greater access to all of the interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills we will want to bring to bear on the situation.
In other words, having a high tolerance for ambiguity isn’t just about “not getting stressed.” It’s about putting ourselves in the position to become more influential in the situation, which allows us to become more influential in our lives and in the lives of others.
If this appeals to you, I suggest that you look for opportunities to practice this “high tolerance for ambiguity in your life and see how it works. I bet you will find that the clarity, confidence, creativity and happiness that results in such a practice will be more than worth the effort.
https://wn.com/Dealing_With_Ambiguity
“The secret to happiness is a high tolerance for ambiguity.” Sam Buser, Ph.D.
I’m not absolutely sure that Sam is the original source for this quote, but he is the professor I first heard it from when I was getting my Ph.D. about 25 years ago. Ever since then, I have reminded myself of the wisdom of this quote when I find myself in situations that aren’t going exactly as planned, or when I am being asked to change my plans or adapt to others change of plans at the last minute.
Of course, there are times when ambiguity is not something to be accepted and/or tolerated. Knowing where the exits are in a theater is a good example, as is knowing the qualities and characteristics you have chosen to guide your life.
In so many other situations, however, I have found a high tolerance for ambiguity to be most helpful in maintaining my peace of mind and allowing me to bring my best to whatever situation I’m faced with.
Unfortunately, for many, this is not the case. They find ambiguity to be stressful, annoying, or even frightening. This is understandable, given what we know about how the brain works. The part of our brain that is responsible for reacting to life and keeping us alive (the middle brain, or limbic system) sees ambiguity as a big problem. And ambiguity was potentially a problem in our distant past when we didn’t know whether the animal or person approaching us was dangerous. In these cases, we became hyper-alert, our muscles tensed, and our heart rate quickened so that we could either fight or flee at a moment's notice.
Unfortunately, today, this part of the brain is still functioning in the same way, which results in it seeing many things as problems or threats to our safety when they really aren’t. In fact, if we look back on the situations where a lack of information or ambiguity was a factor (changes in plans, unexpected delays, etc.), chances are, few if any were truly fight-or-flight situations.
Therefore, if we want to have more influence in our lives and in the lives of others today, we must become more influential in how our limbic system interprets ambiguous situations versus simply letting it react in it’s old “fight-or-flight” manner. This will require that we redefine ambiguity as “interesting” versus problematic, and become clear about how we want to respond to these situations in the future. Here is where I like to bring in four questions that I call “The Four Criteria,” because I believe that they can give us clarity as we look for ways to have more influence in our lives.
For example, if we find ourselves reacting to an ambiguous situation with worry, stress, or anxiety, we can ask:
• Have I chosen this way of reacting on purpose?
• Is it working well for me?
• Do I want to be defined this way (as someone who reacts to ambiguity with ____)?
• Would I teach this reaction to someone I loved?
Given that the answer to these questions will almost always be, “No!” we can then use them to determine how we would like to respond, i.e., in a way that defines who we are and that we would recommend to those we love.
Chances are that tolerant (versus stressed, or worried) would be one of these more purposeful responses, and given that this decision and this quality come from the more purposeful part of the brain (the neocortex), this will allow us to have greater access to all of the interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills we will want to bring to bear on the situation.
In other words, having a high tolerance for ambiguity isn’t just about “not getting stressed.” It’s about putting ourselves in the position to become more influential in the situation, which allows us to become more influential in our lives and in the lives of others.
If this appeals to you, I suggest that you look for opportunities to practice this “high tolerance for ambiguity in your life and see how it works. I bet you will find that the clarity, confidence, creativity and happiness that results in such a practice will be more than worth the effort.
- published: 04 Feb 2017
- views: 24434