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Ending Obsession

One of the primary forces that blocks healing is when someone becomes obsessive in their thinking. This is extremely common when illness or disability occurs. Fear and indecision can "lock"us into a very repetitive, very unproductive pattern of thinking where we basically get "stuck" on the same "groove of the record". Our mind state is then no longer free and flowing but quite limited. This is not at all a healthy state. Learning is then quite limited and getting well hindered. Insomnia often manifests and a fearful, contracted state results.

Returning to health is intimately associated with breaking free of this obsessional mind state. It is very difficult to break free of this mind state when one is isolated from others which quite often accompanies illness and disability(especially in the elderly). It is here that re-connection with the world is absolutely mandatory and absolutely healing. It is through active, open conversation that one is released from the repetitive "spinning on the same groove on the record". This does not always break the cycle but it is a start on the road to healing. If the obsession has become truly "locked in", more is necessary to break free. We can learn from pharmacology how this "stuckness" is abated. The anti-depressant drugs(Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, etc) are very helpful in breaking obsessive thinking. So, to break the cycle without these agents, one can utilize the mechanism of the drug but through natural approaches. Candace Pert PhD wrote about this eloquently and clearly in her book Molecules of Emotion. She describes the natural ways to elevate serotonin(the presumed mechanism of action of the SSRI's). These approaches include: exercise, sun, touch(massage), being in nature, forgiveness(of self and others), acupuncture, social connection, yoga, and healthy eating(high in omega-3 rich foods, fruits and vegetables).

A combination of these healthy behaviors can bring one's mind back to a free state and when combined with a remedy for the body challenge can lead a "stuck" person back to their natural rhythms and flow. The first step to ending the obsession is openly and honestly engaging with a friend, partner, doctor, or healer. Through the power of "presence" and focused listening, the painful obsessional thinking can be "untracked" and movement forward evolves.

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