Posted by Larry Hoover on June 2, 2003, at 11:54:12
In reply to Re: CBT and metacognition » Dinah, posted by mattdds on June 2, 2003, at 11:29:39
> Dinah,
>
> My apologies for misinterpreting your comments. I have my own insecurities that sometimes become quite apparent. You see, had I been in metacognitive mode, I might have seen other ways of interpreting what you said <wink>.I'm glad you recognized that. One of the outcomes of metacognition is flexibility. Same facts, different conclusion. Not getting stuck on the first cognition that comes to mind.
> For example, one of the "cognitive distortions" is, in fact, blame!
Blame is nothing more than giving the past a second chance (or more) to hurt you.
>Being held responsible for my own recovery is, to me, empowering! I am no longer the helpless victim, but the master of my destiny.
>
> Best,
>
> MattThe way I would put it is: "Here I am. Now, where do I go from here."
The past can serve as an anchor, or a solid footing for a move into the future.
The past can be informative (by remaining descriptive about it).
If you've suppressed the emotive content surrounding an experience, then releasing that through catharsis can be a liberating experience. If you've ever carried something heavy for too long, you'll know what I mean. Putting it down feels really good. Finally finding a bathroom after a long search for one, is another example.
However, ruminating over situations which cannot possibly change (history is immutable), only serves to reinjure over and over again. Rumination stops at the point of feeling. You never get to the resolution phase. It's a decision, to not let go.
Not trying to convince anyone of anything.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:230572
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030529/msgs/230799.html