Stress

The most harmful stress is that of which I am unaware. Schizophrenics live with brain chemistry that shuttles stress into dysfunctional defense systems, such as hallucinations and paranoid delusions, if they do not take medication or do other forms of practice to unearth stress or prevent it before these dysfunctional defenses go on automatic. Bipolar individuals spiral into mania under stress or crash into vegetative depression.

Most of us use degrees of unconscious defense mechanisms when stressed, if we do not work at recognizing and preventing stress. Buying binges, eating binges, drinking binges. These are often symptoms of stress which is not recognized or dealt with constructively. Human stress is amplified by the conflicts which can arise between the cognition of the frontal lobe and the automatic defensive  reactions of the animal brain.  If the animal brain wins control without moderation by cognition, dysfunctional social behavior or unhealthy personal behavior is often the result. 

Learning my own stress triggers by observing my own behaviors and thoughts has been my essential practice for reducing unhealthy stress reactions in my life. Small things, like mild food cravings or fantasies, can help me recognize stress in its earliest stages. This enables me to take appropriate, healthy action, such as changing my diet, increasing my rest and moderating my physical exercise. I have developed this practice through the use of psychotherapy, reflection and meditation. I discuss stress and defenses against stress with the people in my life. People who care for one another can help a great deal with managing stress together. This is an essential component of any caring or therapeutic community.

Dealing with stress is at the core of my practice. Learning to manage my stress responsibly in relationships and in my environment is an important part of my humanist practice. Promoting peace and joy within myself is the best way I know of being able to share peace and joy with others.