Withdrawal

I've noticed that when things get tough I have a tendency to want to retreat and withdraw from the world.

Sometimes we really need to step back, take a deep breath and regroup so that we can quiet our minds and focus, but if we retreat for too long or try to withdraw completely, this can cause problems.

When we shut ourselves off from everyone it is easy to sort of fall into a pit. Without input from others our thoughts may become off balanced and very clouded. If we withdraw because we are tense, our tension may only build causing all kinds of problems mentally and physically.

We seem to need others to help keep us balanced by offering differing views to us. Being in relationship with others can also provide a tension release valve by allowing us to express ourselves. Having someone who will really listen to us can be very important and beneficial to us. Being in relationships with others can help keep us balanced and healthy.

Of course, the relationship itself needs to be balanced, we can't constantly dump all of our stuff on someone and not listen to them or offer support for them. We also can't always be the dumping station for others, we need and deserve a relief valve where we can relieve our tension by dumping stuff too.

It seems when the pressure of the world gets to be too much, retreating and take a few steps back is a wise choice, but stepping too far back and totally withdrawing can be detrimental to our mental health and well being.

Even solitary, introverts need outside contact and relationships to help keep them healthy.