I remember finishing a chore and thinking, "Now I can smoke." or being scared or upset and thinking, "Wow! I really need a Cigarette". There were occasions when I recall actually saying to myself, "I need a cigarette". Whenever I tried to quit, part of the expected experience was becoming embroiled in endless "should I or shouldn't I smoke", "I really want one but "I don't smoke!"" arguments. There were lots of instances when I was aware of and caught up in some dialog running through my head. Who was saying the things I was hearing? Who was talking .... who was listening? Did they take turns? What were my feelings toward these players? Who did I cheer for and who got booed?

   I'm pretty sure that one of the characters in this play is me. Which leaves only the question of who is the other?   

   I believe that accurately identifying that 'other player', including the substance and source of it's dialog, can be a key to eliminating the inner arguing and dissension that seem to be so very draining of both time and energy.

Copyright © 2004 Steve Polansky (ddsteve) All rights reserved.