Examining Our Compass of Trust

"We can visualize four different types of trust as directions on a compass. The different types of trust include trust in ourselves, others, reality, and a higher power than ego. Consider how we rely on trust in our daily lives and how we can grow that trust to manage life's challenges. Our trust can move in four directions: we can trust ourselves, others, reality, and a higher power."

"Explore the four directions of trust in your life by drawing a compass, a trusty tool for finding our way on a journey. Place the words "I trust" in the center of a circle. In the east position, write "Myself." In the west position, write "Others." In the south position, write "Reality" or "Whatever happens" or "How life unfolds." In the north position, use whatever word represents God or a higher power for you."

"Draw arrows from the center circle to each of the four points on the compass. Notice that people fall on the horizontal plane, and powers that transcend our control are on the vertical plane. These four directions of trust become our main inner resources. We fall back on them throughout our life cycle. Now think of your most recent concern or problem, or how you typically handle things."

Trust can be understood as four directional resources: trust in oneself, trust in others, trust in what happens (reality), and trust in a higher power. A compass exercise places "I trust" at the center and labels East as Myself, West as Others, South as Reality, and North as a chosen word for God or a higher power. Draw arrows from the center to each point to visualize horizontal trust among people and vertical trust toward transcendent forces. Use the four directions to respond to current problems by asking specific questions about personal resources, support from others, acceptance of outcomes, and reliance on something beyond the ego.

Read at Psychology Today