Posted by wendy b. on January 7, 2003, at 6:57:26
In reply to Re: What is a busy mind? » Phyl, posted by Noa on January 7, 2003, at 4:51:39
> Yes, I think so, Phyl-that the mind does let us down, betrays us. My mind is often not friendly to me. I always assumed I have to change that to get better, but have felt unable to change how I really feel about myself, but my therapist was trying to make the point that maybe it is too much too expect my mind to give me good feelings about myself. The context of this discussion is that I have an added layer of depression that really makes my depression worse, which is about being mad at myself for being depressed. Also, we were discussing my wish not to be so needy for outside affirmation, that I wish I could get some good feelings about myself from inside.
>
> I am still trying to inegrate what this quote means and how it applies. Thanks for helping in that process.
___________________"The mind is an excellent tool, but a terrible friend."
What I get from this aphorism is:
the mind is an excellent tool, because it houses the intellect and can unlock certain kinds of mysteries, it's the seat of rationality and discovery. It helps us make sense of our world.But it makes a terrible friend - this makes me ask myself: what do friends do with us or for us, what do we turn to them for? Comfort, another view on reality, an ear that will listen and perhaps respond kindly. I guess the shrink is saying that we can't rely on ourselves/our minds for the things we'd rely on a friend for. That talking to ourselves, having inner conversations, only goes so far, and sometimes confuses us. Like you say, you're mad at yourself about being depressed. A good friend wouldn't do that to you, I think he's trying to say. But yes, you have to validate those feelings, and look to yourself for comfort to a certain degree, but you can also rely on others, and him, too, I suppose. You can't go it alone...
Does this make any sense? Just ruminations...
Have a wonderful day,
Wendy
poster:wendy b.
thread:34690
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030104/msgs/34748.html