[peaceboy23]

Ok, this was kind of covered in a topic before, but does anyone else ever get the feeling that we are our own worst enemies sometimes when it comes to this beast? For example, sometimes I'll be feeling slightly decent, then I'll think "at least i'm not thinking about thinking about my thoughts...because that was like THIS" and then I'm freaking out again, thinking about it. Ugh. I keep going back to this, but recently, the worst thing has been the damn thinking about HOW i get thoughts. I mean HOW does creativity work. I am coming up with things from my brain, but I control my brian, but not really. Maybe someone who understands more about science and all this can help...i hope it would help...but...how can I think a though, where does it come from, when i am the one controlling my thoughts and all that. It's really complex, I hope i'm describing it somewhat, but if I think about it too much, it pushes me immediately into a horrible DP/Panic state and even when I can focus outward it is kind of hovering back there. I know it is neurons firing or whatever, but something a little more involved would be great. I dunno..its' the weirdest thought and all that...and I never thought about it before, but now it's obsession number one. Thanks for any help I can get.

 

[Martinelv]

Some may disagree, but I don't think the nature of our obsessions is the problem. As we all know obsessions can take almost any form, from complicated obsessional rumination on the nature of 'thoughts' or 'infinity', to shaking with terror at the sight of a Tortoise. Very rarely the content of the obsession is specifically related to the obsession itself. I mean, it's understandable to be afraid of guns if you've lived through a war, but usually the obsession is a 'sensible' wrapping for some buried anxiety. Hell, I'm starting to sound like Janine. UNCLEAN!

Trust me, however much mental energy you expend of obsessing, you'll never be able to rationalise it away. And even if you do, another obsession will take it's place. You need to find out why you obsessing in the first place, and tackle it from there. It is the obsessing itself that is the problem.

 

[whiterabbit]

Yes Peaceboy I can relate, I have had that obsession too! And Martin is right it is just another obsession, part of the self-observation thing, which just goes from one diversionary subject to another to keep us away from what we really feel or think. Focus outward! I hear myself chime again - it is the only solution, perhaps it makes you feel anxious because it brings you closer to your real feelings. All this is great coming from me because all morning I have been pacing about my flat, thinking the same thoughts over and over again, I get obsessed by the idea of not being here, for example, or not having a response to things, I am watching myself 'not be!' all the time. What a load of crap it all is! However, am just about to sit down and try and do some work - we keep going!

 

[Sojourner]

I'll be feeling slightly decent, then I'll think "at least i'm not thinking about thinking about my thoughts...because that was like THIS" and then I'm freaking out again, thinking about it.

Mike, listen to me, okay? When you feel slightly decent, that's the time to plan something to actually do. If you are not ready, however, and to avoid doing something you think what you describe above, you are really seeking the DP.

You can choose not to do anything without getting the DP. You can, instead of making the excuse, "Well, at least I'm not thinking about thinking about my thoughts," which of course is manifestly not true when you look at the content of the excuse, say, "I don't want to do that now. Now I am going to just relax."

 

[person3]

martin that makes awesome sense.

now, go back to hating yourself please. you're being WAY too helpful.