The Compassion Files: Reality

[Tobin S.]

2. Thanks, Hunter.

There appears to be a strong genetic component for the propensity to experience wildly altered states of consciousness without using drugs. I come from a long line of crazy people on my dad's side. I think my mom's side might not be much better, but they are more able to hold it together in front of other people. It sounds like you might have something similar going on.

I've found that when I can create a little gap between my thoughts I experience greater clarity although it is for a brief time. Supposedly, the moments of clarity will get longer with practice. But I still spend a lot of time lost in thought, and that's my main problem. I get so deep into thinking that I lose touch with the outside world or what most people call reality. It's like I'm constantly working on the world's most complex jigsaw puzzle in my head and I just can't break away from it.

Try this. The next time you are troubled and the wheels are really turning in your head, try to remember just to stop the thought processes. Just stop thinking about it and become aware of your surroundings, wherever you might be. Become aware of being aware. Let me know how it works for you if you try it.