Waking up on autopilot

My recovery process is heavily influenced by the work of George Collins. In general it is not rocket science- but it s not easy. The key elements (as i see them) are to understand that our history does not define us, that we are not our minds and to be present. In theory, I am able to see my addictive behavior and when it emerges be present enough to deploy tools to focus that energy onto more productive positive behaviors. This is easier said than done- this especially true at the start of the process- whereby minds autopilot kicks in. I read a chapter from the book above sometime ago- and finally am getting around to pull some of the interesting and helpful points that i think help identify and begin to get on top of autopilots control.

It is obvious to me that compulsion and indiction harness a number of innate neurological processes to become entrenched in our life. One of these areas is certainly the way in which our minds are constantly in auto-pilot. We become entrenched in the past, the future our general busyness that we essentially purged of all consciousness or presents. Our habits drive our behavior because we have no filter in place- because they have got us to where we are- through good time, and sadly traumatic times as well.

Two very interesting quotes from Mark Willaim’s & Danny Penman’s book…

“Habits are frighteningly subtle, yet can be incredibly powerful. Without warning they can seize control of your life and drive you in a direction totally different from that you’d intended. Its almost as if the mind is in one place and the body is in another”

“Habits trigger thoughts, which trigger more thoughts, which end up triggering yet more habitual thoughts. Fragments of negative thoughts and feelings can form themselves into patterns that amplify emotions…. by the time you’ve notice the unwanted thoughts and feelings they have become to strong to contain”

In the case of compulsive behavior, we act out in these moments. Whilst this looks like a process, over the years what looks like a long drawn thought process can be compressed into milliseconds and before you know it your being compulsive.

To take back control (turn of autopilot) we need train ourselves so we can make the choice- not our addictive sub-personalities. We need to learn to shut down some of the background running out of date software and instal healthier more effective programs.

The way to start this process is difficult, albeit easy to write. The first is to be able to focus on one thing at a time- to see the forest through the trees. This is often achieved through meditation which is obviously a huge part of being present and the second is developing tools to help dissolve away the bad habits when they arise.