Kurt Godel was, back in the early 20th century, one of the greatest logicians of all time. He created a proof that, in essence, all mathematical systems that contain axioms (self evident proofs, first premises) are inconsistent and contradictory. Now, this stunning mind, this man with a precise grasp of logic....ended up thinking that his friends were poisoning his tea.
Of course, he became psychotic, but the point that sticks in my mind is in relation to OCD. It is impossible, however lucid and rational a neurotic can be, to rationalise an obsession. As I've said a million times before, the 'nature' or 'content' on the obsession is not the problem...it is the anxiety or whatever is at the root of your obsession that is the problem. I can't emphasise this point enough. The more you attempt to 'figure out' your obsession, or try to find an 'answer', the more mental energy you feed your obsession with. Round and around. Ever increasing circles. The trick I used then I was in the throes of obsessive rumination was to try and think the exact opposite....and, on most occassions, it helped.
Of course, he became psychotic, but the point that sticks in my mind is in relation to OCD. It is impossible, however lucid and rational a neurotic can be, to rationalise an obsession. As I've said a million times before, the 'nature' or 'content' on the obsession is not the problem...it is the anxiety or whatever is at the root of your obsession that is the problem. I can't emphasise this point enough. The more you attempt to 'figure out' your obsession, or try to find an 'answer', the more mental energy you feed your obsession with. Round and around. Ever increasing circles. The trick I used then I was in the throes of obsessive rumination was to try and think the exact opposite....and, on most occassions, it helped.
