Shannon's Journal Discussion Thread, Vol. 8

[Shannon]

I had to balance that thing (OGSF v3) on the razor's edge to be gentle enough and still achieve it's goals.

I'd like to point out, though, that while you may have severe trauma and it may have altered your neurology physically, I disagree that it is now "wired into" your nervous system.  That belief is only making things worse in my opinion, by encouraging your subconscious to create that condition.

Remember that your brain and nervous system are plastic, and can change away from, as well as towards a certain "wiring".  You have to be careful about focusing on, focusing into and repeating things that only make what you don't want to grow stronger.

Until I can build the PTSD sub, I suggest you start working to consciously focus into re-wiring your nervous system away from trauma, not focusing more into it.  And please also understand that there is a big difference between "I have PTSD" and "I am PTSD".  A lot of people take their condition and make it their identity, which only makes it solidify more and more and it becomes harder and harder to release and change when they do.  Your identity should not include or be based on a condition you happen to be experiencing, especially if it is temporary.  And PTSD is temporary until it is changed.  It's just a matter of understanding how to change it.

Thanks. I appreciate your reminder about not identifying with trauma, I agree that’s a trap I want to avoid falling into

To clarify, when I said "wired into my nervous system" I didn’t mean it’s permanent or unchangeable. I fully understand and believe in the brain and the nervous system’s plasticity. I was using that phrase to describe how these patterns currently manifest in my body: persistent, reactive, and deeply rooted in my nervous system’s survival responses. It’s not a belief I’m reinforcing, it’s just an attempt to name what I’m working with so I can move through it more effectively. These reactions happen so quickly and automatically that they bypass conscious thought entirely

I appreciate the careful work you’ve done to strike a balance in this version of OGSF. I am curious though, should it always be used in ultrasonic format before trying any other format?

Yes.  I know you haven't had the greatest experiences with ultrasonic in the past, but volume would be why, and as you can see, 2 out of 15 isn't exactly loud or aggressive by anyone's standards.  If my girlfriend can take to it like a duck to water, I know it's gentle.  I listen to all of you guys and gal's experiences and feedback, and my process and workflow is adjusted accordingly over time.