Isolation – Episode 96

Do you revert to isolating in times of increased stress and difficulty? Do you find it harder to work your program at these times? Today we will talk about what isolation has meant to us. Spencer and guest host Harriet discuss this topic, suggested by Harriet, following this outline and questions. What is isolation? Closing myself off from the outside world Looking outward to fix an inward problem Rejecting reality What did isolation look like a year ago, now, etc. Can take many forms, and could look like: Pretending (hiding) Self criticism (finding evidence that fits my conjecture that I'm broken and alone) feeding an obsession Compulsive show watching (often a familiar show I've already watched, maybe b/c I need to have some certainty) Compulsive podcast listening (not to broaden my perspective but to drown out my thoughts or emotions) Avoiding connection with friends or Al-anon members (Anything that takes me further into my closed system) Food Being compulsively busy Why do I isolate? Shame (I hide my worst parts) Disconnect between mind body and spirit. I look outside myself to find the answer I'm having a feeling I'd rather not be having and am afraid to look at myself I believe my own conjecture What helps? Accepting where I am and my current reality Trying one thing different to break my cycle I need to make peace within myself before I can genuinely connect with others. I think I need to share w others, but until I've reconciled within myself, I can be isolating right in the middle of a conversation Writing— before I'm too far gone Step 5 — a member or friend who I can share with (to acknowledge where I am) A meeting Meditation - breathing exercise connection with a pet Prayer Brene Brown's TED talks This podcast- suffering is optional, 3 A's, self-care Inventory—why am I isolating? Service Self-care and self compassion