The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Recent research has led brain specialists to understand that the human mind works less like a computer than a town meeting. kpparently there are many inputs offering different responses to the issues that confront us. And the brain cells that "speak" the loudest get heard and acted on.
Who calls the shots for us when self-esteem issues demand settlement? If one input says, "Face it, deal with it", and another input says "Hide till it blows over, " which command drowns out the other? Does panic speak louder than patience? Is "attack!" a roar and "negotiate" just whisper?
Sorting out contradictory messages is a primary task of those who would foster their self-esteem. If we give all of our "voices" equal time--or repeatedly back off from the bully in the crowd--our lives are subject to mob rule. But if we listen, think, and practice filtering out the negative messages, the noise of the rabble will die down. If we pesist in our efforts, the calm voice of reason will get stronger and stronger. The mob that heckled us toward diminshed life will be quieted by reason's gavel. Then decisions can be made as the are supposed to be made--at an orderly town council meeting where the best tactic is chosen from many.
Nature gives me inner contradictions; character gives me a choice.
--"Believing in Myself" -- mediations for healing and building self-esteem [Hazelden]
This provoked alot of thinking in my mind the other day. Now when I just read it again, it had more meaning. My mind is so stressed out lately that I don't think I hear any brain cell talking. But I am trying to sort out conflict in my mind and make better decisions to become a better person. I see that I need to listen better to the brain cells/messages and see what in the heck is causing me to make the decisions I have been. cdb
