What can you do when you get caught in obsessive thoughts that take you in an endless circle of seeing problems?

Robert writes:

I’ve been wondering if Focusing can feed into obsessive thoughts. I can be prone to seeing problems and getting bogged down at times with thoughts that are not supported by reality but rather by a hypersensitivity that has been sparked off in me. And sometimes I suspect that my attempts to focus or untangle feed into something that feels like a vicious circle, rather than helping me to deal with/lift myself out of these circumstances/move forward with a positive attitude.

Dear Robert:

Yes, there can be a “vicious circle” of repetitive feelings and thoughts that seem to dig us in deeper instead of helping us get free.

But that isn’t caused by Focusing.

I can understand the concern. You don’t want to feed into a hypersensitivity. You want to lift yourself out of stuck circumstances and move forward with a positive attitude. I want that for you too! And Focusing can help.

You know, I’ve spent a lot of time in my life with the question of how to get unstuck from those repetitive cycles. And I do have an answer.

It’s Self-in-Presence.

When the vicious circle goes round and round, Self-in-Presence is missing. When you bring in Self-in-Presence, you stop the vicious cycle.

Here’s how…

So what’s an example of an obsessive thought? Usually, it’s something like “I can’t…” or “I’ll never be able to…” or “what’s wrong with me that I can’t… “

As Self-in-Presence, you would acknowledge those parts of you by saying, “Something in me is worried that ________.”

Obsessive thoughts are always from parts of you that are worried.

Now say to that part, “Yes, I know you are there, and I’d like to get to know what you are not wanting to happen to me.“

Do you see how that breaks the circle? Instead of going round and round, we are now going deeper. And you are no longer the victim of that part. Now you are the one who is the compassionate listener.

When you do this, you will soon get in touch with the positives you are hoping for, the urge and determination to move your life forward. That ‘s what this very part of you wants for you!