The Forer (or Barnum) Effect has demonstrated that astrological prediction or personality typification is complete woo, but sometimes simply hearing someone else address your own state of affairs seems to resonate with a tinge of truth, if for no other reason that it seems to be thinking about you in the same way you are. It’s as if they’re listening. Or the astrologer knows that you’re brooding on some uncomfortable situation, and has the right emotional elixir on hand. The elixir isn’t necessarily right or wrong, but the reflection is enough to create a bit of a placebo. Which we know is also only effective for a short time. The great thing about the brain, and your emotional states though is that states are temporary, and you can manipulate them somewhat.
Today’s horoscope: “You may be somewhat agitated throughout the day for no specific reason at all. Sure, you’ll be able to rationalize your feelings, but it’s more important to move beyond your stuck energy than to demonstrate a reason for your negativity. Being right is more important to your ego than being happy, yet the power to turn your day into a more positive one resides within you.”
Ok, so yeah, I’m pissed. It started when I was in KY, and just got bit by bit worse since getting back. I don’t think I saw it clearly at the time because it was other people I was mad/hurt/concerned about, but then I think that opened the door for me to be reminded of the less than wonderful parts of my own situation.
Shit’s just gone downhill since then. I recognize this state. It happens when I don’t get what I want, what I think I deserve, and I go round and round with myself asking whether or not I’m expecting too much, or whether the person or situation withholding just isn’t interested in giving it to me. The old me or you?
It’s that loop that keeps me down, but the importance of solving that loop should be the key to getting what I want, or changing my thinking.
The last line of that little blurb is right though. It’s right, but that is of no credit to astrology, people have known that the power of happiness is definitely affected by will forever. It’s good to hear it every once in awhile though.
What do you do to break the loop? Do you just distract yourself and avoid the problem. Do you make a decision and move on? Writing this blog has been a bit of a distraction, and a bit of self-therapy as well. The sheer act of writing should give my emotional system a bit of time to get some positive feed from my cognitive system, and should help to slow or stop the cortisol feedback loop. I love knowing my brain, It’s like knowing how to fix the plumbing, without having to call a plumber.
Today is the Phinney Car Show. I’m gonna go down the street later today and take some pictures. That oughta be pretty fun.
Have a fucking great saturday shitheads.
Audible.com Pema Chaudron “Getting Unstuck”