Life Positions, States of Being, and Memories: an Update to I'm OK—You're OK ©

By Norbert Grygar

In In the definition of a transaction, much more is going on than first appears. The fact that there is a assertion being made implies that there is a need to describe the relationship between the party creating the initial assertion and the one to whom the assertion is directed. That relationship has at least two levels that are described as Life Positions with the top level setting the standard for a broad range of of interactions and lower level, that of a current existential specific position. The initial source are the life positions developed by Eric Berne, MD and described by Thomas A. Harris MD in “I'm OK—You're OK” and updated by Tony Smith. The other two elements, States of Being and Memories, were also included in “I'm OK—You're OK” and are updated here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Norbert Grygar
• Release date: Feb 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215334072

Norbert Grygar

Norbert Grygar graduated from Temple Junior College (TX), attended St. Mary's University in San Antonio and then graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a BBA. Afterward, I spent the next two years in the US Army during the Vietnam Era. Upon discharge, I entered the business world where I spent over thirty years in Casualty Insurance including earning the CPCU designation. During the time working, I became very interested in personality types after attending a seminar on Social Style which categorizes individuals as Amiable, Analytical, Driving, and Expressive. Much of the text of this book is the result of self study. Other interests include 10-15 years as a youth soccer coach including a stint as the local soccer association president. I am currently retired and living in Temple, Texas.

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Life Positions, States of Being, and Memories: an Update to I'm OK—You're OK ©

by Norbert Grygar

Abstract:

In In the definition of a transaction, much more is going on than first appears. The fact that there is a assertion being made implies that there is a need to describe the relationship between the party creating the initial assertion and the one to whom the assertion is directed. That relationship has at least two levels that are described as Life Positions with the top level setting the standard for a broad range of of interactions and lower level, that of a current existential specific position. The initial source are the life positions developed by Eric Berne, MD and described by Thomas A. Harris MD in I'm OK—You're OK and updated by Tony Smith. The other two elements, States of Being and Memories, were also included in I'm OK—You're OK and are updated here.

After World War II, Eric Berne, M.D. developed his behavioral theories, many of which were included in I'm OK, You're OK by his student, Thomas A. Harris, M.D. A part of the theories presented included what was,called Life positions that include the terns I'm OK I'm nor OK" as well as others. The discussion was expanded primarily by psychologist, Tony Smith, to what includes individual relationships between one individual and others. A brief summary of what we know of the brain and how memories are processed is included.

Life Positions

A life position is overall guide or philosophy of an individual in dealing with life in general over a period of time. These were named by a two part description of a relationship existing in the here and now. The terms so applied were; I'm nor OK - You're OK, I'm OK - You're Not OK, I'm nor OK - You're Not OK, and I'm OK - You're OK. These positions were named by Thomas A. White and presented to the public in his book, I'm OK - You're OK (1967-69), Psychologist Tony White has added two more positions based upon the work of psychiatrist Margaret Mahler. White wrote, I propose two additional ones based on the theories of Mahler (1965). She demonstrated that the newborn from birth to 12 months feels omnipotent. The infant sees mother/caretaker and self