Benzoid's questions about hope

[[Be...]]

Is the glass half full or half empty? 

 

 

Isn't this the question that summarises a state-of-mind which determines whether we feel hopeless or hopeful?  Isn't it a basis for separating optimism from pessamism?

 

Is hope a tangible thing we can touch or put in a jar for later use?  Where is hope situated, is it in the body, the kitchen, the garage, is it sold in shops?  If none of those places then where does hope come from, and what is hope, and why do some of us feel like we don't have any?

 

Hope isn't a biochemical hormone like adrenaline that floats around our bodies and makes us 'feel' it, it's a state-of-mind, so when we tell ourselves we feel hopeless, haven't we just reached a mental conclusion by actually telling ourselves that's the case, and in doing so created a circular loop in our thinking?

 

If we believe we're feeling hopeless, aren't we really just thinking we're hopeless and reaffirming that belief to ourselves by saying we feel hopeless?

 

If hope is a by-product of mental attitude, is being hopeful nothing more than a choice we make to think hopeful, or think hopeless?

 

If we cultivate a mental attitude of hope, isn't it true that the chances of creating our own good luck increase?  Isn't it just as true that if we cultivate hopelessness that we'll create our own bad luck?

 

 

Does a self-fulfilling prophecy come into play at this point?

 

As an example, if we continually tell ourselves we'll never find another partner after a breakup, don't we emit a negative vibe that repels future partners, thus confirming our belief we'll never find another partner?

 

Another example, if we continually tell ourselves we'll never get better from an illness, or addiction, doesn't our body respond and produce hormones that make us feel down and maybe even keep us sick? 

 

Why do cancer specialists say that our attitude to fighting cancer is a massive part in the healing process?  Why do physiotherapists tell us that we have to believe we'll walk again after an accident for the best chance of our legs to start working again?

 

Is there a mind/body connection?  If so, is there a mind/mind connection?  If we keep reinforcing an idea, does it eventually become our reality?

 

 

 

 

 

These, of course, are random rhetorical questions that I'm asking.

 

 

B

[[Mo...]]

Hmm, i guess there must be a receptor in our brain for which there aren't any

scientific studies as yet.

 

would explain , why some people,( nothing to do with Benzos ) , are born as pessimists

and others are optimists. 

 

the odd thing i have noticed : are the signs of the zodiac.

Geminis f.e. are very optimistic, ha, ha, thats why i've survived my detox i guess.

 

 

[[Be...]]

Hmm, i guess there must be a receptor in our brain for which there aren't any

scientific studies as yet.

Oh don't worry about that, I'm sure Roche or Smithkilne Beecham will produce a drug for it anyways.

 

the odd thing i have noticed : are the signs of the zodiac.

Geminis f.e. are very optimistic, ha, ha, thats why i've survived my detox i guess.

Yep, and Aries (me) are arrogant and controlling because we think we know it all, being the first of the Zodiacs and all.  And why we always seem to say "but that was before you came along" to our next girlfriend

[[Mo...]]

I am good, i had the suspicion you were a fire sign, thought you were Leo though.

 

 

 

[[Fl...]]

the odd thing i have noticed : are the signs of the zodiac.

Geminis f.e. are very optimistic, ha, ha, thats why i've survived my detox i guess.

Hi Morreweg,

You seem to be knowledgeable about the Zodiac signs. What do you know about Virgo (me)?

Fluter

[[Mo...]]

Fluter you are virgo ? well i know it comes from virgin (joking), its an earth sign,

and earth sign people supposed to be extra healthy .

i have a friend who is virgo,  , he is good looking and very sensible in regards to money.

i am not, geminis like to spend, spend,spend.

[[Mo...]]

Fluter you are virgo ? well i know it comes from virgin (joking), its an earth sign,

and earth sign people supposed to be extra healthy .

i have a friend who is virgo,  , he is good looking and very sensible in regards to money.

i am not, geminis like to spend, spend,spend.

Yep Mooreweg,

That's me Virgo the born again Virgin So, it would seem your friend, and I have something in common were both good looking . Now, if I had money to spend....I'm sure I would!  I think we can find traces of all signs in each of us. Don't ya think?

Fluter

 

[Guest [Mi...]]

Does a self-fulfilling prophecy come into play at this point?

 

As an example, if we continually tell ourselves we'll never find another partner after a breakup, don't we emit a negative vibe that repels future partners, thus confirming our belief we'll never find another partner?

 

Another example, if we continually tell ourselves we'll never get better from an illness, or addiction, doesn't our body respond and produce hormones that make us feel down and maybe even keep us sick?

 

Why do cancer specialists say that our attitude to fighting cancer is a massive part in the healing process?  Why do physiotherapists tell us that we have to believe we'll walk again after an accident for the best chance of our legs to start working again?

 

Is there a mind/body connection?  If so, is there a mind/mind connection?  If we keep reinforcing an idea, does it eventually become our reality?

 

These, of course, are random rhetorical questions that I'm asking.

 

Benzoid, I very much like the "random rhetorical questions" that you are asking.

 

And yes, I think you are onto something. I really appreciate this threat about hope! 

 

I think the only person who's truly been able to separate the mind / body connection is Dr. Joseph Ignace Guillotine 

 

Now, do you think a sense of humor is as important as hope? And if so, where do we get our sense of humor and more importantly, how can we retain it while in withdrawal?

 

To hope and humor. May it shine brightly through many windows and inspire us toward health!

[[Be...]]

Hey Mindseeker,

 

 

I'm glad you liked the OP.  I'd forgotten I'd even written it until I was browsing my threads just now. 

 

I do think a sense of humour is as important as hope, although right now mine has gone walkies and I'm out of inspiriation.  In fact a couple of years ago a CBT therapist taught me to transpose my anger in humour, and with practice it worked very well.  Most things that used to infuriate me now become things I laugh at.  Well, at least until about a week ago when what feels like another personality stole my body for a joy ride .

 

 

Here's to hope and humour <raises glass>

 

 

B

[Guest [Mi...]]

Here's to hope and humour <raises glass>

 

 

B

 

Hey, Benzoid.

 

If I could drink, I'd raise a glass of the finest champagne to us all!

 

I hope your sense of humor returns. Maybe it's there, but you gotta dig deep to tap into it? I've been watching some old comedies on YouTube at night. My CNS can't handle CNN right now!

 

Anyways, I'm finding that the more I laugh and giggle, the better I feel. So, maybe a combination of hope and humor can help us through the night. Also, I'm finding that laughing helps my memory. Don't ask me how I know that, but I really think it does. It may be because laughing decreases anxiety - decreased anxiety reduces depersonalization - decreased depersonalization = better memory.

 

Cheers! 

[[Be...]]

If I could drink, I'd raise a glass of the finest champagne to us all!

Same here but I quit about 10 days ago.

 

I hope your sense of humor returns. Maybe it's there, but you gotta dig deep to tap into it? I've been watching some old comedies on YouTube at night. My CNS can't handle CNN right now!

My CNS can never handle CNN.  Let me try and make a pun out of that.. erm..  how about Central Nerve Numbing? 

 

Anyways, I'm finding that the more I laugh and giggle, the better I feel. So, maybe a combination of hope and humor can help us through the night. Also, I'm finding that laughing helps my memory. Don't ask me how I know that, but I really think it does. It may be because laughing decreases anxiety - decreased anxiety reduces depersonalization - decreased depersonalization = better memory.

I happen to agree with you.  I dunno if the lab coats have proven it yet but the logic sounds good to me.

 

I've had a couple of minor tickles today so maybe all's not lost just yet.

 

 

Take it easy, Mindseeker.

[Guest [Mi...]]

My CNS can never handle CNN.  Let me try and make a pun out of that.. erm..  how about Central Nerve Numbing? 

 

See, you still have your sense of humor! 

 

Minor tickles are good, Benzoid.

 

Thanks for starting this thread. We need some hope out there in Benzoland. 

[[Be...]]

See, you still have your sense of humor!

Next week I may be able to actually make myself laugh with my own jokes.  Is that good or sad & pathetic?  Never worked that one out.

 

Minor tickles are good, Benzoid.

No argument from me on that one.

 

Thanks for starting this thread. We need some hope out there in Benzoland. 

I'm glad someone likes it.  Hope is many a despairing person's saviour. 

 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a fascinating poetry blog to continue reading.

 

 

[[lo...]]

Hope & humour are wonderful. Where would be without them?  Both are mental attitudes and our mental attitudes affect our physical health I am sure.

 

Depression can make positive thinking nigh impossible but when depression lifts it is much easier to look on the bright side of life.    I have experienced both and it is as if I have been two different people. 

 

It amazes me that people in the most adverse circumstances can remain positive while folk who have not much to complain about constantly do. 

 

Folk at bus stops are the worst where I live - Aberdeen.

Isn't this weather awful.....  the bus is late, they never run on time ..  what a price the fares are nowadays ....  didn't get much sleep last night, arthritis in my legs .... doctors can't do anything for me .....

 

By the time the bus comes, your positive thinking has been severely tested.

 

LF

[[...]]

I truly believe positive thinking makes all the difference! I tell myself positive things ALL the time. Even if I'm not convinced of what I'm telling myself I try to say the positive things outloud often.

 

Hey, maybe I can convince my mind it's true! I'm positive I can!! 

[[Ar...]]

F@ck the glass, I'll take the bottle!