On Shakespearean Ducks & How Emotions Work

[mlerules]

When I get exhausted, I'm more prone to forgetting/neglecting to always look at the bright side of life, to construing things wrong/not as intended, to missing simple yet enormously important things like actual DATES listed. And from such confusion/miscommunication, it's fascinating to observe what transpires.

Sometimes I do try to imagine What If... This lets me at least somewhat experience the emotions so I'll be ready for it/them when it does happen. Of course if'n it doesn't happen, then what? Has it been a waste of energy or a useful emotional experience? If'n it's negative stuff, does it really make the experience of such emotions easier to handle the next time they arise? (This is, after all, one of my theories/stated reason for doing this sorta thing.) But if'n it's positive stuff (fantasy-generation/play-along), does it then serve to dilute/lessen the (impact of/response to) the actual/real thing (emotion/feeling) when it occurs, which ain't actually my intent/goal?

So, for a space of time (approx 1/2 hour) I was belabouring under an illusion that something had happened that hadn't really happened, that plans'd been changed majorly (canceled) when they in fact hadn't...and now I can look at the feelings/thoughts generated and think 'bout 'em and what they mean and see whether/how I'd want to modify reactions for 'nother time. Fascinating process. And really, it wasn't as "bad" as I might've though...although really, I had NOT fully processed 'em...just gotten going in fact.

Triggers, buttons, motivating factors. Desires, wants, needs. Shifting perceptions. Truthfulness tempered w/diplomacy. Politicking ain't all bad. Fine lines exist though, even as/though they shift. Intentions matter muchly. I keep coming back to the need to take responsibility for the consequences of my actions, both intentional and un. Gets even trickier tho when it's inactions w/consequences. I cannot and will not abide by passive-aggression, although I'm not even sure I'd recognize it unless it were gnawing at my leg/liver for a real long time.

NOTE to BAPAMAP Club: Being At Peace As Much As Possible does NOT free us from the obligation to take action to deal w/carp as it arises. Peacefulness will come from prompt appropriate action, which at times means well-thought out thoughts prior to acting...without falling into the Analysis Paralysis trap.

Today I shall find peace and BAPAMAP by doing what I need to do 'round the place, which includes a spell of napping and/or walkies and/or whatEVER strikes my fancy at the time, along w/puttering and emulating the Anti-Slug. Oh, such as busing over to visit the Farmer's Market downtown! A plan emerges from the mists...

Comments

[princekermit.livejournal.com]

without falling into the Analysis Paralysis trap.

Ayup...

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

So, have you been there and done that yourself or merely watched others flail about? Do you have any hints, tips, or suggestions for avoiding this pit and/or pulling out of it once fallen into...or even ways of telling that that's where you're at?

[princekermit.livejournal.com]

have you been there and done that yourself or merely watched others flail about?
Both. Especially considering that for a long while, this was my standard operating procedure.

As far as hints, tips, etc. I'm working on that. Made some interesting connections through some Jungian analysis awhile back and am translating that into something for posting.

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

Looking forward to reading that post.

I've found that taking a break can work well and interfere w/the constant spinning/spiraling. Breaks that work well include: going for a walk, playing racquetball, doing something active and getting outta the physical space where I'm busy thinking 'bout stuff w/out making any progress.

Really nice seeing and chatting w/you s'more this past w'end, BTW.

[clayshaper.livejournal.com]

When that happens to me, I run myself into the ground. Eventually the circle starts chasing it's own tail and then nothing makes sense!

I tend to try to get OUT of the cycle. For me, I find a chat with a different energy/deity/point of view can be super helpful. By readjusting my focus, I can see things I probably missed in dust of chasing my tail!

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

Yup - realizing the cycle's kicking in is vital, as is figuring out how to (and then acting to) get OUT. Thx for thoughts/suggestion re: adjusting one's focus as a way of escaping the spiral.