DRAMA IS THE SYMPTOM -
NOT THE PROBLEM

Jeri Castronova, PhD

If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the forces around you, both positive and negative, you are not alone. There are many energies bombarding earth at this time-solar, global, and internal. It is easy to believe we cannot control either external or internal forces. But we can.

It is a great opportunity now to do some healing, both physically and emotionally. Diet, exercise, relaxation and sleep are all beneficial for the body. Meditation, releasing old tapes, old patterns of behavior and outworn belief systems are favorable for emotional well-being. Unless you're a drama junkie.

Emotional outbursts by self or others heighten the effects of dramatic intensity. A screaming teenager stretches the limits of patience on whatever process is used to sooth the stress of the entire family. When co-workers bring their crises into the workplace, the inner strain may seem too much to bear.

Last night I was interviewed by Sierra Neblina on her radio show, GalacticU (formerly Let's Talk 2013 & Beyond). Among the various topics we discussed, she asked about the dramas her clients are living and what might work for them-medication, energy work, healing. This is a common occurrence in our economically-challenged, debt-ridden, stressed-out society. There's no simple answer, yet a very simple approach.

Drama is the symptom-not the problem. It isn't the cause of conflict or where clashes begin. Drama, or raw reactions to specific situations, is an indication that something is going on we need to pay attention to. Just like joint pain or a toothache, the pain lets us know something is not right.

Drama is highly overrated as a teacher. Most of us go through the drama junkie stage. It becomes an adrenalin-rush that is easily habit-forming and hard to break. But not impossible. If we can stand back and watch the melodrama, we realize the addictive behavior in everyone involved. We know how to push their buttons, and they know ours. We play the same game over and over, until, if we're lucky, something happens that brings back systemic reality and we say: 'I can't take it anymore!'

To break the drama cycle, we can begin with these three steps:

Admit there's a problem. Honesty is a big part of the solution. Then ask - what purpose does the drama play in my life? For some, depression, anger, substance abuse, sexual acting-out, alcoholism, even criminal activity, are the only means to feel alive. The real issue may be fear: of abandonment, of financial loss, of a beloved family member. It may take a visit to a professional to gain insight into deep-seated fears.

Begin a dialogue with everyone involved. Seek solutions, and have everyone come up with their own ways to bring peace into the house and workplace. Work together toward the common goals of building self-esteem, respect for everyone, and internal balance. This clears the mind and the environment of negativity. It's not impossible to get out of drama, but it's absolutely necessary for the spirit.

Once the trauma of drama is removed, discernment is activated. The rainbow that follows the storm appears, and the true self begins to shine.