Here some example of open loops:A part of the house that has been started to be repaired, but is not yet completed.
For instance you have laid a new floor, but the footstrips at the edges are not there yet.
The last finishing touch is missing!
You have sent a report to someone for revision or reply but have not heard back yet.
You linger in expectation -also called “texpectation”. -)
You have started a work with several people involved, different opinions are in the pot on a new vision and no decision has been taken yet.
…or constantly Apps coming in with Blings that ask for attention and reply.
You get the idea?
All of these examples are open loops.
A process that has started but has not been completed.
Our lives are full of them!
The effect of these open loops on the nervous system is constant triggering, new information, wondering, restlessness -but no resolution.
You look each day on the non existing footstrips and may think :
gosh, when?
It can cause a lot of stress to live with this constant pull that does not end on a finish..
But open loops have also a positive side: if we take the allegory of music for instance.
Let’s refer to the music of Richard Wagner: The ride of the Valkyries …one bombastic harmony leaping into the next expanding the expectation constantly ….listen here!
Your are taken on a ride and the satisfaction of the all embracing final closing key is suspended and suspended and suspended…
longing for the “schlussakkord” the landing on the key note to have a satisfying closure.
Why do open loops also feel good?
It’s dynamic. It’s unpredictable.
You can ride in the excitement of the possiblities, enjoy the thrill of having many balls up in the air.
It can be an opportunity to be patient and alert at the same time.
Now let’s take the closed circles.
And I do not mean running in circles but an action with a clear beginning, a middle and an end.
Here are some examples:
You prepare a meal.
The process of cutting, cooking, eating, even doing the dishes is a closed circle.
You fix the tyre of a bike. Finding the hole, and fixing it.
You write a birthday card to a dear friend.
You dance a tango for one tanda.
You give a yoga class. You take a yoga class.
Why do closed circles feel good?
The sense of completion gives a restful feeling.
Satisfaction.
Your nervoussystem get’s the message:
Relax, there is no more surveying modus needed,
the navigating and stirring actions are done.
Mission accomplished. Result delivered. Outcome clear.
Peace. |
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