Isolating Trouble

From the beginning of time man has been discovering and isolating elements and chemicals. 6000 years ago man discovered how to extract iron, in 1933 Walter Haworth isolated Vitamin C. When these essential components were in their natural environment their properties were much harder to interpret. Once isolated they became much easier to interact with and understand but these discoveries do not come easily, the journey to isolate Vitamin C took over 25 years.

In a similar way, we are complex beings, an intricate weaving of upbringing,experience and environment. There are many interactions happening inside us, some good, some not. A particular reaction to an event may have a single source but like iron or Vitamin C in their original environment, that source is difficult to see when mixed with all our other thoughts and emotions. If one is brave enough, it's incredibly valuable to take the time to sort through the myriad of internal interactions and get to the core thought. Isolating this thought may take significant time and effort but once isolated it becomes much easier to understand. At this point both the thought's effect and origin can be determined. If the effect is determined one is able to identify the feelings associated with that thought. Being aware of the thought and it's feelings become an early warning system that allows one to avoid the thought before it takes us over. Understanding the origin of the thought gives a method to undo the very root of the problem.

So next time your reaction catches you off guard or your behaviour is not becoming, get a trusted friend, sit down, get honest, and dig into the details. Pull each layer of thought apart until you get to the core. You'll simply know when you get there and with that thought isolated you will see a clear way forward.