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I've been doing this workbook that the doc I saw at Mayo's Fibro Clinic suggested. I haven't gotten far yet but already I am liking it. There are several exercises it has me doing to help focus my attention outward as a means of distracting from the inward focuses of pain, worry and such.
I'm supposed to spend time looking at objects in a different way. Really looking at them instead of just glancing and moving on due to familiarity. For instance I don't really look at many objects anymore like my remote control. I know what it is and I know where all the buttons are without really paying any attention to it. This is how it is with most objects in my apartment, or in the store for that matter. I know an apple when I see one, I don't need to pay it much attention. But I'm supposed to start doing this. I'm supposed to start recognizing the little things that differentiate object. The remote for the TV is different from the remote for the DVD player. I'm to really look at and see the parts, the shape, the textures, and such that make it unique.
I know I life mostly in my head. It's totally true. Hopefully these exercises will help me to begin changing some of that time to outward living. This could be a really positive thing.
I think I do. I'm having a difficult time lately finding pleasure or purpose in anything right now. I was just thinking about that today...how gorgeous it was outside and how I should be out there enjoying my surroundings, but I cannot get myself motivated to live. Does that make sense? I feel like I just go day by day, letting it all slip by me.
ReplyDeleteYes I do too! It is so nice to know I am not the only one. I like this idea of looking at normal objects differently. I think I will try it too. What is the workbook you are doing?
ReplyDeleteheather
Absolutely...unless I am creating something. I am thankful I found my little hobby to get me out of my head.
ReplyDeleteHeather, the book is called Attention & Interpretation Therapy (AIT): A Personal Workbook by Amit Sood, MD MSC.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I know what you're talking about and I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling like this rightnow. It makes sense that you are feeling that way right now with everything you have been going through. I have lost more days than I can count to these feelings and I'm sure more days will be lost in the years to come. I wish I could give you a big hug. Hang in sweet Jessica. Know that you are loved and appreciated.
I definitely spend more time in my head (I always have... even before my chronic migraines began). That's one reason I think I'm enjoying cooking lately - it gives me an opportunity to notice the colors, textures, smells, etc... of the different ingredients... and then the wonderful taste of them all combined. It's really hard to really enjoy a whole lot right now, but I'm trying to take it in baby steps (and, if I have to, "fake it 'til I make it").
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. One of the things my three years of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was intended to teach me was how to distract myself with other things when my thoughts automatically go to the pain. I have all the intellectual tools I need to make CBT work. Unfortunately, in the midst of the worst pain, it's really hard to remember them.
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