This is a useful protocol for reflection or for therapeutic or coaching contexts.
Begin with recognizing unhelpful constellations of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors known as patterns. 4A1A2. “Pattern recognition” is an important skill and is the foundation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and compassionate inquiry (CI).
Then do this thought experiment. Think back to an early life experience where this pattern may have evolved from as a way of meeting your needs or as a coping mechanism. If someone at that age would have offered you a deal: I’m going to numb your pain, save your life, and get you through this. But the price you’ll pay later on is this feeling of repression, inadequacy, poor health, or some other unhelpful pattern. Would you have taken the deal?
This is the bargain many of us have made unconsciously with respect to addictions and/or repressed emotions.
Connections