#144 | May 19, 2025 | 20:21

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Cycle: Follicular – Day 17

Location: Home – desk
Context: Continuing reflections after LinkedIn browsing

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🧠  Thought Stream

[reflective thought]: I thought I get over it, not minding and declining events. At those times I was recovering of exhaustion and nowadays, I’m feeling a little breather and adjusting to managing my own capacities. Actually, checking my capacties.

[frustrated realization thought]: But damn this social media thing. This tiny index finger clicking the search bar and I’m at the hole.

[observing thought]: But you’re still feeling a negative physical sensations even for a short glimpse in LinkedIn’s feed.

[self-compassionate thought]: See? Now.. hold it there. Don’t even dare to blame yourself why you’re at this point. I know the blame though is trying to show up; but don’t. It will say “if only”… Come on. Give yourself a break. We’re past that, aren’t we?

[honest response thought]: I’m trying.

[visualization thought]: This is beyond hope. Now.. (a sharp clap from a woman in the mind). Hey hey, look at me. (an unknown woman seems staring at me).

[acknowledging effort thought]: I know. I’m trying. It’s not easy to spit it all out. But I am trying.

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THEORETICAL CONNECTIONS:

This experience connects to concepts such as:

1. Digital Habit Loops and Somatic Responses Your description of “this tiny index finger clicking the search bar” followed by physical nausea reflects what behavioral scientists call “habit loops” combined with embodied warning systems. The body’s visceral reaction (nausea) serves as what somatic psychologists term a “felt sense” – physical feedback about experiences that may harm wellbeing before conscious processing occurs. To explore diverse perspectives, try searching “somatic warning systems across cultures” or “indigenous approaches to body wisdom.”

2. Mental Imagery as Internal Regulation The appearance of the visualized woman who claps sharply and demands attention represents what depth psychologists call “personified regulatory functions” – internal representations that emerge to redirect attention when needed. Many traditions recognize how internal figures or voices can personify aspects of wisdom that might otherwise be difficult to access. To explore diverse perspectives, try searching “internal family systems therapy” or “ancestor dialogue practices in traditional healing.”

3. Self-Compassion as Alternative to Blame The directive “Don’t even dare to blame yourself” followed by anticipating the “if only” thoughts demonstrates what mindfulness researchers call “preemptive self-compassion” – recognizing and intervening before self-criticism escalates. This approach appears in various wisdom traditions that view self-compassion not as indulgence but as necessary for authentic growth. To explore diverse perspectives, try searching “self-compassion practices across cultures” or “non-Western approaches to self-kindness.”

These connections were curated with assistance from Claude AI.

EXPLORATION STARTING POINTS:

• Indistractable by Nir Eyal – explores the psychology of digital distraction and practical strategies for regaining control (suggested by Claude AI)
• Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine – examines how the body processes and stores experiences, particularly relevant to the physical nausea response (suggested by Claude AI)
• Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff – offers research-based approaches to developing self-kindness rather than self-criticism (suggested by Claude AI)
• Focusing by Eugene Gendlin – explores the concept of “felt sense” and how to work with bodily wisdom (suggested by Claude AI)

STANDARD DISCLAIMER:

WooshBrain connects personal experience with broader psychological concepts. While I aim for accuracy, these connections are starting points for exploration rather than definitive interpretations. I encourage readers to explore these ideas through their own research.