MoM Glossary

These are working companion definitions, not a claim to replace the book or settle a reader's interpretation.

Center

The provisional question, tension, decision, aim, or field of attention being considered. A center is not the whole person or the final meaning of a situation.

Field

The people, conditions, values, obligations, histories, resources, uncertainties, and partial maps surrounding a center.

Relation and tension

A connection, contrast, conflict, dependency, feedback loop, or boundary within a field. A tension can remain unresolved while becoming easier to see and work with.

Traversal

A bounded next movement through the situation: an action, pause, conversation, test, request for counsel, question, or decision. It is not a command from the map.

Return and revision

Revisiting the map after feedback, rest, action, or changed conditions. Revision is part of responsible orientation, not evidence of failure.