3 ms·

Mathew Inman (the Oatmeal guy) wrote a book about his experience with running and why he runs [0], the crux of which is to escape. Like many things, it is clear

Mathew Inman (the Oatmeal guy) wrote a book about his experience with running and why he runs [0], the crux of which is to escape. Like many things, it is clearly a coping mechanism. Not all coping mechanisms are created equal. What works for some may not work for others. But I'd encourage anyone to seek real help to solve the problems even if their coping mechanisms are beneficial in some way - they might not be beneficial overall. [0] - https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Wonderful-Reasons-Distances-Oatmeal/dp/1449459951/ https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Wonderful-Reasons-Distances-...

dmos62 10y ago
When I was a kid, going home from school, when passing through a calm couple of blocks, I'd let off into a full out sprint, and I'd smile from ear to ear, because it felt great. I still smile when I think about. By the way, Forrest Gump anyone? Anyway, the word coping is the innocent version of escapism. Similar actions are denial and projection. The point is to find a comfortable posture for refusal of reality. The opposite is acceptance of course. Generally, when we talk about escapism, we mean compulsive escapism. Substance abuse is the worst, because, coupled with compulsiveness, it slowly erodes your ability to function and recover. More constructive escapism, like physical exercise, is probably best, because it has the opposite effect over time. Workaholics are somewhere in between, they get their superegos stroked, because of achievements, but they usually develop poor family environments, so, even though, they survive ok, they have poor life quality in general. Not that the compulsive joggers have great life quality, just that they are probably more emotionally stable. Glandular balance is main reason for that. As I mentioned, the answer, universally, is acceptance, but how to get that is a journey in of itself.

dmos62 10y ago

When I was a kid, going home from school, when passing through a calm couple of blocks, I'd let off into a full out sprint, and I'd smile from ear to ear, because it felt great. I still smile when I think about. By the way, Forrest Gump anyone? Anyway, the word coping is the innocent version of escapism. Similar actions are denial and projection. The point is to find a comfortable posture for refusal of reality. The opposite is acceptance of course. Generally, when we talk about escapism, we mean compulsive escapism. Substance abuse is the worst, because, coupled with compulsiveness, it slowly erodes your ability to function and recover. More constructive escapism, like physical exercise, is probably best, because it has the opposite effect over time. Workaholics are somewhere in between, they get their superegos stroked, because of achievements, but they usually develop poor family environments, so, even though, they survive ok, they have poor life quality in general. Not that the compulsive joggers have great life quality, just that they are probably more emotionally stable. Glandular balance is main reason for that. As I mentioned, the answer, universally, is acceptance, but how to get that is a journey in of itself.