On my mind
Persistently yours
Some words get a bad rap. Obsession is one of them. It has a dark side that is frequently visited in movies and books. Referrals to an obsession veer toward certain medical diagnoses. So unfair. It’s the idea of domination. Humans like to believe that they are in control. But at its root, the word comes from the idea of occupation, as in battles of the past. That’s a good description since when our minds can’t think of anything else, they feel like they are under siege. It is possible for this definition to feel unfriendly because it seems out of control. Not being able to control those passing thoughts keeps us from giving needed time to the more deserving ones. Back in puberty, it was fun to have these emotions about a crush knowing that they might change in just a couple of weeks. When there is a lack of distraction, it is easier to get obsessed. There are good causes in politics, sports, the arts and goals when becoming obsessed pays off. That is the biggest difference between the lighter and darker sides. When an obsession is chosen, it feels lighter. The missing component of force or lack of choice turns an obsession into a dedicated idea.
If you have experienced some obsessive thoughts or feelings, it is good to review what happened to them afterward. They can teach without force.
Not impulsive
Option #1: Have you ever enjoyed an obsession?
Option #2: Can a passion be an obsession?
Option #3: Are you able to promote gentleness in the eye of an obsession in someone else?
That’s it. After you choose the option that best describes how you obsess, take a few minutes to describe why you chose that option and what action, if any, may come next.
