Almost everyone is affected by obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors, even if we don’t realize it. Take worry, for example – it’s an obsessive thought pattern we’ve normalized. We fret about not fitting in, being late for an appointment, or whether not people will like us. These worries often spiral, consuming our thoughts and creating unnecessary stress; and those are the more obvious examples. While society may deem worrying as a sign of responsibility or care, it actually does us no good. The mind is simply playing a trick that we have become accustomed to, a coping mechanism that has outlived its usefulness. Our incessant patterns not only drain our mental energy but also keeps us stuck in a loop of anxiety, as it is providing a false sense of security or false power; but in our experience we like the emotional hit we get, although it’s distressing. A great deal of our self-generated stress that we are unaware of is like having a radio constantly playing in the background; and only when we turn it off that we realize how much noise there was. Acknowledging that there are seemingly hidden patterns operating as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors is the first step towards living a more peaceful and all-inclusive life of gratitude and appreciation. Once we step into a deeper level of self-honesty by opening to the possibility that our coping skills are working against us, we start transforming our relationship with our thoughts and behaviors (and feelings), becoming aware that we are neither our thoughts or behaviors; which leads to a more serene mind.

Reframing Our Perspectives

Imagine your mind as a playful puppy, darting around, sometimes causing chaos. This puppy, while adorable, can occasionally knock things over or make a mess, like worry and inner conflict affect us internally. By tenderly acknowledging these quirks, we can begin to calm the puppy down and restore order, so to speak. When you catch yourself obsessing or engaging in compulsive behavior, gently recognize it. Instead of criticizing yourself, you might say with a smile, “Ah, there you are, my little petty tyrant.” This simple act of acknowledgment, done with compassion, can significantly reduce anxiety and illuminate the calmness, inner peace, and presence always here now, within.

Furthermore, by accepting and understanding our obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors with grace and loving kindness, we allow ourselves to see them for what they truly are: temporary and innocent responses to stress or discomfort – innocent coping mechanisms. For instance, by acknowledging any number of habits we engage in that no longer serve us not as flaws, but as a sign of seeking safety or comfort, brings a sense of calm and understanding. This compassionate perspective helps us realize that these patterns are not defining characteristics or the reality of ourselves, but rather coping strategies that can be managed and ultimately transformed and dissolved, in this life! By embracing our inner quirks with kindness in lieu of self-contempt or self-punishment, we create a space where we can begin to shift our patterns no matter what they are, and realize a more balanced and peaceful experience and sense of being.

Consciously Healing

Using a conscious process to heal these habits can be transformative. Think of it as training that playful puppy with love and patience. When you notice obsessive or compulsive tendencies, take a deep breath which seems to ground our attention in the present. Notice the discomfort in your body and allow yourself to be with that experience, observing that the thoughts are merely thoughts and uncomfortable energy that feed the obsessions and compulsions. When we allow ourselves to be with this discomfort until it runs its course without trying to change, avoid, or modify the experience, we are working directly with the fuel of these behaviors and thoughts. This conscious approach not only breaks the cycle but also empowers us to cultivate a more peaceful and resilient mind. By consistently practicing this, we can transform our inner landscape, turning moments of anxiety into opportunities for growth and self-compassion. So, let’s embrace our quirks with a smile and start living more consciously!

Compliments of Collective Healing Anonymous

The following video is probably the best conversation I have ever heard in the last 40 years discussing the facts about addiction and how to overcome or recover from the debilitating effects of any type of dependency.