One of the first steps toward getting Bipolar In Order is to learn the difference between what we feel or experience and how we react. In our first workshop and in our support group meetings we have an exercise that helps. I want to share it with you here and see how it works without as much guidance or background.
One of the main stumbling blocks to getting Bipolar In Order is the belief that we have no choice in how we react. When presented with the fact that we do, I always hear “what about the times when it is too intense?” or “what about when I go to bed happy and wake up depressed?” “Surely we have no control then?” While it is currently true for most people, with training and practice we can learn to have the choice in an ever increasing range. Eventually we can get to the point where nothing is too intense.
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Kenneth
12:05 pm on
May 13th, 2010Step Five: Brainstorm other options or how someone who has Bipolar In Order might react to the same state and write them down. Write down what a saint would do, what would Jesus do, or what someone you revere would do.
Joan of Arc liberated France… =)
Joan of Arc liberated France… =)
She sure did. And Teresa of Avila said “The pain is still there. It bothers me so little that I feel the lord is served by it.”
Kenneth
12:10 pm on
May 13th, 2010But seriously I agree and every reaction is a choice often times it is a split second almost unconscious choice but it is always a choice. The key is first having a set of tools/alternative reactions and then learning to slow the reaction down enough to be aware of the choice being made and consciously choosing to do something different.
Often times my final tool is to do something, anything even if I am convinced it won’t work and usually I am wrong. Usually at some point in focusing on doing it something happens to break the cycle and I regain control and peace.
Hi Kenneth,
I can’t believe I didn’t respond to your incredible comment when you posted it. I must have missed it. I think we can all learn from your example. Thank you for putting it in a form that makes it so clear.
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