Steve Mensing
(5/22/01 2:21:36 pm)

Dissociation: The cluster of beliefs distances us from our feelings, emotions, and physical sensations. Through dissociation we are out of touch with our biological messages, intuition, and felt sense of self.
Generally this splitting off from our emotional self comes when our awareness shifts to thoughts and images. This cluster of beliefs halts our ability to emote, feel compassion, and experience empathy.

The common beliefs of this cluster are:

*I can't feel my feelings.
*My feelings seem like thoughts.
*When I try to feel, I feel empty.
*My feelings and physical sensations seem distant.
*I think I am in the present.
*I observe myself creating feelings.
*One must control their feelings.
*I must not show emotions or feelings.
*I don't enjoy emotions so I try not to think about them.
*I don't like to consider or discuss emotions.
*One should avoid irrationality or one can become overwhelmed.
*The possibility of losing control makes me feel distant.
*If others get close, I feel numb.
*Emotional people can swallow one up.
*I sense I am someone else.
*My body doesn't seem like me.
*I forgot my childhood--I just feel strange when I think about it.
*I can't feel when others ask me what I'm feeling.
*Most of the time I'm in the future.

The above beliefs can be cleared. Folks who are extremely numb or dissociated should do this work with a trauma specialist. Most likely this stronger dissociation comes from severe trauma.

Take care, Steve