Better Together

Sharing About ANTS

Updated on August 29, 2016 in Share Challenges
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9 on August 4, 2016

I lead a Daniel Plan study group at a church where I live.  We are doing an indepth study of the FOCUS essential – which includes videos and Dr. Amen sharing on topics related to brain health.  This is the part of the Daniel Plan that has me just passionate and committed.  Brain health is something we can work at and get better!

We covered ANTS this week, and whoa did the group react.  First issue is that in the discussion after the video, to share one common ANT and speak to how the steps Dr. Amen covers to kill them might apply to that thought.  Very quickly I found out that the group didn’t “get” the ANT concept entirely.  They shared major wounds – major bad things that happened at some point in their life that they are still rethinking and reviewing almost obsessively.  I tried to back pedal a little but felt I had to honor the open-ness and trust in being willing to share really intimate details within our small group.  I didn’t try to redefine ANTS for them (there are probably of cluster of ANTS around that traumatic event is my current understanding of Dr. Amen’s work).

I did ask the followup question – how do you think the steps Dr. Amen went over might help you kill that ANT or turn that negative thought around?  Didn’t get much discussion on that – just too personal I think.

I feel very fragile and am now working through all of my ANTS about trying to teach Daniel Plan classes (albeit with excellent support materials) – and finding scriptural support to help turn these thoughts around.  But I also got some very intense criticism from one group member.  He thinks I handled it inappropriately.  I’m seeking to hear the kernals of truth in his discontent – but I’m also refusing to join in his ANTS around the topic of mental health/brain health.

So I decided to reach out – how might I have handled getting major trauma reports from group members when I asked for ANTS.  I do intend to lead the class again and will do a slower explanation of them and the steps I think before I ask the discussion question.  I’m facing them next week of course – and have put out links to two of your ANT videos (one 4-part video is a wonderful review).  Any suggestions on how to start next week?

I’m so afraid I’m doing damage.  First, do no damage!!
Thanks!  Diane

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docamen 0 on August 4, 2016

Hi SaneDiane:

What a great post.  Don’t be afraid.  It is always ok to just listen, and then ask people to talk about their thoughts and evaluate if the are true — see John 8:32.

Hard experiences often lead to distorted thoughts.  Never tell someone their thoughts are distorted, just have them list their thoughts and question them.  It may take a few times for people to truly get it. Let us know how it goes.

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raymondagaydos@gmail.com 0 on August 5, 2016

Two fantastic posts,  Like both of them.  Thanks for the share.  I give you SaneDiane a lot of credit to reach out to those to assist them in this process.  I think you are to be congratulated on both points.   Keep trying and listen to Dr. Amen. Many thanks. 
Ray

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schuesslercynthia 6 on August 24, 2016

I have been really struggling with ANTs especially lately and maybe because I am off antidepressants after 20 years. Then yesterday the ANTs went away. I have no explanation for it but am so thankful. I have been doing my one thing every day and trying to figure out the positive statements to make to counteract the ANT. I think that’s the hardest part – trying to really be honest with myself.

AlwaysCurious on August 24, 2016

ANTS and the corresponding ANT therapy are so powerful and so prevalent.  We are having a literal ant infestation in the kitchen where I’m living now.  The character of ANTS – they just keep coming back!  I’ve resorted to praying over them and humbly go in for a daily cleaning and removal of their little bodies.  The mental ANTS are like that in my humble opinion.  Staying in close connection to higher power is like the boric acid that seems to discourage them from widening their territory.  The ANT therapy tool in Brain Fit Life leads me through the steps to kill them, and kill them and kill them.  I congratulate you Cynthia in discovering some relief.  What has helped me kill them faster lately is finding the positive statement of what is true and then going to scripture to find one or two bible verses that say it with authority.  I pray those and really seem to find healing.  
     May the ANTS in my head head and my brain get stronger and stronger to counter them swiftly.  If God would speak to the ANTS in my kitchen just now – I sure would appreciate it.  There really are happier places to live – why do they keep climbining into my freezer – freezing to death – in hordes!!  But ANTS don’t make sense and certainly don’t have human logic.  Eventually this too shall pass.  There is a bible verse for that too I’m sure.
(with chuckles) – Always Curious Diane

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schuesslercynthia on August 25, 2016

Oh, I agree! Words are so powerful. So why not speak positive words over ourselves and our loved ones. And speak them out loud!. Scripture never comes back void. Thanks!

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AlwaysCurious on August 25, 2016

Ants still in my freezer however.  I think tonight I shall check to see if I can find scripture to tell God’s creatures where to go.  (laughing out loud)  ANTS IN THE FREEZER?

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schuesslercynthia on August 27, 2016

Just listened to an Andy Stanley video called in the Meantime. First scripture was For God so loved the WORLD…..  When we’re in the wilderness, we can KNOW that God still loves us. My ANTs: I’ll never be happy again, nothing good can come from this, and there is no point in continuing. These can be turned into: I can be happy again, something good can come from this, and there is a purpose to this pain. His biblical applications were the story of John the Baptist who Jesus called the greatest person on the planet but who doubted at the end of his life and Lazarus.

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AlwaysCurious on August 29, 2016

Thanks so much for sharing the positive messages Cynthia!  Every little drop of attention going into God’s plan and you’ve added a several to my list for today.
I am love!
I can be happy!
Something good can come from this
There is a purpose to my pain.

I’m quite aware today of the pain in people near me.  So I’d add there is a purpose in all pain. God don’t make junk.  My recent awareness is also this – I am not God’s compass.  God is my compass!!!
Diane

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schuesslercynthia on August 29, 2016

Amen!

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