Six: “Driving Toward Light”

"Driving Toward Light": 24 x 36 x 1.5 inches - Close-Up

As an initial step to control or at least cohabitate with his unwelcome companion, Ansel regularly tries to cognitively transition his internal dialog away from the dark, irrational nature of his catastrophic and anxiety riddled thoughts. He must consciously convince his mind to take a mental passage away from the colorless abyss towards the bright hope of light.

What is a “cognitive transition?” 

A cognitive transition in behavioral psychology refers to the mental shift that occurs when a person moves from one way of thinking or processing information to another. This shift can be triggered by various factors, such as new information, a change in context, or completing a task. 

"Driving Toward Light": 24 x 36 x 1.5 inches

As a practice, Ansel routinely tries to employ triggers of his own design. As he spins out of control on irrational, intrusive thoughts he’ll turn to a specific playlist of songs/music transporting his mind to a different space. He’ll also leave his apartment and go for a walk in order to change the scene to get different or new neurons firing in an effort to stop his downward spiral.

Ansel is an intelligent, self-aware person. He realizes his isolated trigger practices will only get him so far. He is trying to develop the courage to begin steps towards exposure therapy in which he’ll gradually confront those real world scenarios that send him into a breathless panic. He’s also smart enough to know he’s not yet ready to throw himself in the middle of a crowded venue or hop on a commercial flight.