The Beast

[A Work in Progress]

The Beast

kriger;447929 wrote: For me, being on an abstinence road, I think of the voices sometimes as a Beast and sometimes as an immature child. It's the same way when I diet and want to have something I should not have to eat- I am struggling with that same voice in my head-good against not so good. The strength and length of the voice may be why, for me, sometimes it is the Beast and sometimes it is just an immature child wanting her way. All of these characterizations amount to one thing-an internal struggle. We all have these voices in our head, but we handle them in wide and varied ways.

Absolutely right, Krigs, and good for you! Use whatever works. The main thing is that, when we use one of these methods, we are creating some distance between the decision-making parts of our minds/brains and the impulsive parts of our minds/brains. A healthy distance enables us to take a careful look at what we are thinking and feeling, and to make good choices. Getting over-involved and over-identified with our own (sometimes very irrational) thoughts can lead us straight to disaster.

wip

[hippie37]

The Beast

Chief;447853 wrote: The Beast concept is taken from another recovery site called Rational Recovery......

It simply states that there are two distinct personalities or "voices" in our mind. One is the real you that knows what you're doing to yourself is wrong and not in your best interests.....The other is The Beast, which is very irrational and will do anything to get you to drink......"it" doesn't care about your health, family, job, anything.....except getting that next drink.

The concept is to think about your thinking and learn to identify The Beast thoughts and rationally talk yourself out of taking that first drink.....

It works for me.....I feel it's easier to fight the battle when the enemy is identified......



Don

Ditto!!

[Boss.man]

The Beast

I think AL is "that damn liquid".

As far as brains structures, I see it more as a group of different voices ranging from the spoiled child to the logical adult, to the politician, the sneak, the clown, and the frail and weak.

I've even begun thinking about leadership styles, and how much different people user leadership styles to control the voices in their heads:

A consensus leader reasons with all parties.

A military leader orders from top down.

A theocratic leader guides from the standpoint of a dogmatic religion.

Anarchists, democratists, and benevolent dictatorships all illustrate ways of handling the voices.

Something I've been pondering today. Reading Tao of Sobriety which talks a lot about the multiple voices.

[Lila]

The Beast

what about The Committee? The committee is not the beast, but it is the voices that tell you you are all wrong, and you should blah blah blah, and furthermore...sometimes the committee just keeps on talking....and you have to say Oh, that's The Committee.

[panadol]

The Beast

Hi Chelle
You and I must think alike as I have often wondered about the beast
reference myself! It's been very interesting to read all these perspectives.
Yes I agree whatever it takes to get you through and the label of the beast
works well for many. I find WIP's observations would work very well for
me and I'm going to explore Buddhist teachings. I particularly like the
compassionate observation practise. I find for myself that the more I give
breath to wanting to drink I set up a negative action response cycle.
Thanks for the thread Chelle. This is very useful!