Getting Beyond the Box

Mark Gorkin, LICSW, has written two articles in the Wellness section at the Betty Hardwick Center about change:

"Thinking out of the box." What exactly are we talking about? Not being limited by obvious assumptions or expectations? Experimenting with problem solving steps that are untested or that are not necessarily logical or predictable? Perhaps mentally meandering along, if not jumping from, your paradigmatic edge? Or does it mean consciously and unconsciously weaving and unraveling till you've spun a conceptual web that catches those elusive and defiant bits (and bytes) of data and imagery?

So the first principal: there are many escape hatches as opposed to "one right way" out of the box. Yet, even when doing your headwork, heart work and homework, with bold liberating steps risks often lead rewards and fantasies partner with fear and frustration. Your worldview may need to be twirled around, if not turned upside down, to discover a heart that sings and a mind that dances out of the box.

The second principal also sounds an encouraging yet cautionary note: thinking is just the first step; one must also act and test out of the box, presenting ideas in a more public forum. Still, you now are grappling along the innovative edge. And remember, if you're not living on the edge…you're taking up too much (conceptual) space! So here are the Stress Doc's Out of the Box Skills and Strategies: Part I for being dynamically balanced and "lean and keen":

Part I: For Creative Rebirth…Think Out of the Coffin
http://www.bhcmhmr.org/poc/view_doc....&id=985&cn=110

Successful policies, programs and procedures are often time-tested, if not timeworn, techniques for keeping folks stifled and the status quo exalted. However, unconventional thinking and exploring involves more than discovering the elusive key to some mysterious trap door, or simply breaking down the same. Opening up new doors and windows of opportunity often starts by recognizing self-imposed, shame-based constrictions accompanied by a fear of failure. A second key catalyst for breaking out thinking is learning to ebb and flow creatively with your mood states. And once more free with inner space travel, you can adroitly maneuver from the inside out and transform external energy into problem-solving synergy. Here are the three final strategies for getting beyond the box:

Part II -- Face Your FOE and Flow from the Inside Out
http://www.bhcmhmr.org/poc/view_doc....&id=986&cn=110

Gorkin, known as "The Stress Doc," presents his views on overcoming the status quo, facing your personal challenges and accepting people are going to have mood swings.

These articles are different from the types I generally post. I found them interesting and enlightening.

so much excellent info. i've printed the articles to re-read and hopefully practice more change. many concepts were introduced to me in therapy. i had difficulties thinking outside the box at first. seriously worked on my many restricting beliefs. what freedom i found conquering them.
rage mentioned. i was incorrectly diagnosed with borderline personality disorder recently. i challenged my new T. knew the roots of it came from being abused. need to focus more on those feelings lingering "in the box" thinking.
loved the "depression depression" piece.
thanks, byz. great knowledge lies in these articles.

To best think outside the box and simultaneously get the most effective results one must consider all points of views. Respect each other even if we do not like each other.

I've recently come to value the fact that right at the verge of chaos lies the opportunity for most change.

The box certainly limits our descent (or ascent) into that realm of opportunity.

My heart stopped (about ten times) while reading this. So accurate (there are better adjectives) I could hardly believe it.