Perhaps we obsess mentally over things to keep us from having to face what we perceive as difficult in our our external lives that we don't want to face, and feelings that we don't want to feel. The fantasy drama we create seems controllable somehow. We have a false sense of power. It's addictive, gnawing, a nail-biting habit- both destructive and strangely appealing at the same time. It's a grand distraction.
But in the end it can't save us. The only salvation is in embracing the moment, and being present and attentive. Projections of all kinds cast shadows on the screen of blessing that is right in front of us. We miss the simple and abundant grace that is already here by creating faraway fantasies. We miss the breeze and the singing of birds as we turn ourselves into imaginary heroes and take the world by storm.
I recognize when I am hooking in to obsessive thinking, and return to the moment. I consider what I might be trying to escape, and choose to face it instead, so that I can experience real peace that lasts, as opposed to fantasy peace that traps me in vicious circles.
