LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
LOVE YOUR ANXIETY? HUMBUG!
April 4, 2012
On the way over, I began to plot out a piece about the Republican nomination process and how they tell us that all is well with them. Utter nonsense in light of the reality that women and Latinos are now overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. But on the radio, Sirota's show, he and a guest extolled the virtues of having anxiety. They babbled on about how that skunky feeling impels people to work hard, how it gave them a sense of who they are and how in our complicated society it makes sense to respond with anxiety . . . to all of which I respond: Horse Pucky. They did not, of course, mention heart problems, blood pressure, diabetes etc., accompanied by early death. And never mind how relationships are distorted; no none of that was part of their discussion. They started with how anti-anxiety medicines are ubiquitous and maybe that's a good thing! Yeah, and yeah, let's all have heart attacks and take digoxin for the rest of our lives.
They pontificate but haven't a clue about anxiety and its twin anger. You can't have both at the same time, either you're running like hell or fighting like hell.
But, whence all that? Clearly, without the twins, animal life could not survive. Some mammals specialize in one or the other, but both are part of our genetic inheritance. Of course! They are life saving responses to overwhelming danger. We had to run from animals (anxiety) who would eat us or fight them off (anger). That's what animals do; self protection is the law of survival. Surely, the capacity to run and/or to fight are vital to our lives . . . but, do you not notice that we no longer live in such dangerous environments. Well, yes, some do but even then, it is much better to figure out winning strategies and that's not likely with anxiety or anger present. When emotions go up, intelligence goes down.
So, what do you get anxious, or angry about? Are you faced with dismemberment or death, and do such experiences invoke the flight or fight response? Not likely. Think about any anxiety you might experience. I bet it had to do with the potential for loss. “It would be awful if . . .” is the usual formula even though the truth is that you could and did stand it. But, if you believe that formulation of course you have to get ready, ready to run, the anxiety component or ready to fight, the anger component. The survival formula is accompanied by “Oh God, what'll I do if that happens.” Well, that isn't planning, that's panic. Our cavemen forebears understood all this and figured out how to take down dangerous animals and food animals regardless of their size. I mean, they weren't dummies.
The truth is that most people have confused “I can't stand it,” with “I wouldn't like it,” treating the latter as if the former. There is a hell of a lot not to like; and I got myself started with thinking I might die with Romney as my president; and, I began to feel anxious until I caught myself and laughed at my idiocy. The survival mechanism is quite strong, but why should that be? Well, the unwary were eaten and if the survival mechanism were not strong we'd not be here. We are the children of those who ran or fought, it's no surprise that we respond like them.
Part of the problem is that we believe we should become anxious or angry in certain situations and believe there is something wrong with us if not. I was once accused of being manic because I did not panic along with my colleagues about some unpleasant possibility. Hell, we live in a world that extols such “virtues.” A fellow once boasted to Epictetus, a great Greek Stoic philosopher that he loved his daughter more than any man could possibly love his child. “How do you know?” says Epictetus. “When she becomes ill I become so distraught that I have to run out of the house,” responds the man. “And your wife?” Epictetus asks. The man responds, “She stays home and cares for the child.” Epictetus laughs. “It's a good thing she doesn't love the child as much as you, or who would help your daughter.”
When you're caught up in some sort of commotion
You'll experience some sort of emotion
If you want to remain sane
It's wise to maintain
Your survival isn't up for demotion.
