On Impulses & Compulsion & Healthy Living

[mlerules]

I've generally considered giving into impulses a positive act rather than a negative one, perhaps with (misplaced?) pride that they're not particularly "bad/negative" impulses. Usually this comes up in response to "where shall we Toad Rip next?" or "what kind of food do you want for the next meal" with an answer of "the coast/mountains" or eggies, Injun, Thai, BBQ, whatEVER "feels right."

Now I'm realizing that Bad/Unhealthy Behaviors (whether drinking, eating ('specially crap/too much), working out, or whatEVER - mebbe even doing art?) are those we engage in to mask feelings, to drown out badness/negative emotions, done to "make us feel better," used as a coping mechanism (rather than facing/confronting whatever's up - feelings/emotions). Heck, even napping/sleeping could be this...

I remember declaring my choice of addictions as "caffeine" years ago. It really didn't happen - as I figured it wouldn't - but I figured 'twas an easier one to deal with than many others. I don't drink it that often...although I seem to be drinking it more and more...and not just as a drug when Toad Ripping either nowadays. I usually stick to tea when at home/Hive-ish. Tea doesn't seem to have the same effect on me (either when I drink it or stop drinking it after a few days of daily imbibing).

Much food (and drink ;-) for thought...

Comments

Oh napping/sleeping

[magickalmom.livejournal.com]

Goddess how I know this to be true. When my depression gets to a point when it begins to physically manifest... it manifests in the need to sleep. The kind of sleep/exhaustion that hits and no matter what you do, you still fall back asleep. For me it is so hard to question myself as to whether I am avoiding dealing with some emotion by sleeping or is it that something truly is going on with my body (like my anemia). Its hard to differentiate and typically takes a lot of quite meditation and reflection before I am able to untangle the web.

Thank you for sharing and giving me more food for thought in my own recovery process. *loves*

BTW- If you ever just want to tea and you are passing through town, I'd love to take you to the Mandolin Cafe.

Will you be northward this weekend?

Re: Oh napping/sleeping

[mlerules.livejournal.com]

You've mentioned Mandolin Cafe several times recently and I've been wanting to check it out - and it's always good to see you, so we'll figure it out.

This weekend I'm only making it as far North as Ft Lewis. I'm gonna show up Sat morning to help shift fae_raven from HBE to Tacoma. Methinks you folks'll be up at CopperMoon or thereabouts, so I'll miss you this time around. Soon though!