The Fixation Flaw - part II

 The Fixation Flaw - part II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earworm 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-is-2020/201612/stop-obsessing-or-fixating-fast-cognitive-technique 

Let’s take a related diversion to start the day - earworms!!

(I’ll admit I was unfamiliar with the term, but very familiar with the concept until about 8 years ago)

Wikipedia defines “earworm’ like this:

“An earworm, sometimes known as a brainworm, sticky music, stuck song syndrome, or Involuntary Musical Imagery,, is a catchy piece of music that continually repeats through a person's mind after it is no longer playing. Phrases used to describe an earworm include "musical imagery repetition" and "involuntary musical imagery"

No, it is NOT a worm crawling in your ear!!  <grin>

As I write, the earworm is Rimsky Korsakov’s “March of the  Nobles” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBdKlNsuPd4) 

To me, it is a catchy piece of music that is flowing through my brain.  As a musician, (if being a tuba player is being a musician) I do get songs in my brain.  Sometimes they are stupid songs and I would prefer NOT to let it keep playing.  But, most times, it is “okay”.

More from Wikipedia on earworms on cures.

Scientists found that engaging working memory in moderately difficult tasks (such as Sudoku puzzles, or reading a novel) was an effective way of stopping earworms.  Other research has suggested that chewing gum could help  Some suggest analyzing ‘why’ this song is in your brain  Another suggested remedy is to find a "cure song" like “Happy Birthday”.

*****

Back to fixation

So, something gets into our brain - be it a concept, an idea, a person, or music (earworm).  

If this fixation is almost always in your brain, and if this fixation is negative, we need to do something!! 

Let’s take the case of John David Chapman - the killer of Beatle John Lennon.   Britannica.com says he had decided that Lennon was a ‘phony’ and needed killing.  (On his list, seemingly, he also had Johnny Carson and Elizabeth Taylor).  The article indicates that Chapman attempted suicide a few years earlier.  He traveled to New York City with the intent (seemingly) of killing Lennon. That seems like a negative fixation to me.  

So, how might you handle such a negative fixation? 

 

The Psychology Today article (linked above) suggests this approach:

“The first step when you get overwhelmed is to recognize that you are officially upset or fixating on something negative. Once you label the problem, use this technique which involves asking yourself a series of questions and then answering them. The technique is simple and quick, requiring only a minute or two of your time.

Wherever you are, ask yourself the following questions:

-1 If I had to guess, what is the exact temperature now (inside or outside, depending on where you are)?

-2 What is my body temperature like now? Do I feel a little cold, a little warm, or perfectly comfortable?

-3 If I don’t make any noise, can I identify every single sound that I hear?

-4 Outside, what is in the sky? Are there clouds? How would I describe what I see in the sky?

-5 On a scale of 1 to 10, how hungry am I?

-6 If I could choose to eat any dish right, what would I choose?”

***** (end quote)

The concept is to take your mind off the negative concept.  “Change the channel”.  I also suggest changing the scenery - go for a LONG walk (whatever that means to you).  I’d suggest going to a park - where there will be park benches.  Changing your environment can help you clear your mind.  

But, if you can’t “change the channel”, you may need a professional.  There is a range of professional - from Life Coaches - who will listen to you, guide you, but don’t have a specific counseling degree (but may- or may not - be great resources for you); LSW - licensed social workers - who have a license to counsel; MCSW - Masters in Counseling and Social Work; and those who have a doctorate in psychology, social work, counseling.  If you need a counselor, ‘try before you buy’.  Meet with them and see if this is a good fit for you (and for them).  Is this person too busy and you might get left behind?  Can you sense if this person is compatible with you and sensitive to your needs?  Go for it.  (Aside - I have two counselors currently.  One I see every six months, who has a doctorate and thus is considered stronger; but has little time for me (30 minutes every six months is not much of a relationship); and one I see about every six weeks - I used to see her biweekly - but she thinks (as I do) that I am in recovery and our chats are mostly that - chats - identifying possible issues.  

LOVE WINS!!!

Hugs!!!

Karen