A buddy of mine alerted me to an article in the Oct 21 Wired, Self-Help for Nerds: Advice from Comedian Chris Hardwick, an excerpt from his book The Nerdist Way – How to Reach the Next Level (In Real Life).
This blurb caught my attention:
A simple mantra has guided me through the darkest bouts of autocerebral asphyxiation: You don’t have to believe everything you think. I know, right??
If you are having trouble uploading positive images to your ego satellites, here is a great tactic: Ignore your fucking brain altogether.
It doesn’t mean to lead you in bad directions! It’s just that, unless properly trained, it usually takes into account only your short-term happiness. “Get drunk in the morning!” “Eat 50 Chocodiles” “Instead of working, you could masturbate!”
These are all examples of things that will bring you only microbursts of temporary happiness but could have negative long-term effects. You can simply say to yourself, “I hear what you’re saying, brain, but I choose to ignore you.”
If your brain rages beyond that, you can diffuse it by acknowledging its request and explaining in detail why it could be devastating were you to honor it. Be smarter than your brain.
That’s not only hilarious, it’s psychologically and spiritually brilliant.
Are there therapists in Northfield who would agree? Are there members of Northfield’s clergy who would agree?
OK, this is quite likely the funniest thing I’ve ever read on here! Way to go…I may have to reconsider the thought I had earlier tonight that this town could use a better sense of humor!
Phil, I’m delighted to know you have a sick sense of humor like me. 😉