Passion vs Obsession
The stigma wants that all autistics think the same. That is correct as in the way we think, though most of us have one specific field of expertise, what Mental Health professionals refer to as ‘One-way neuronal pattern’.
A blessed new week to all.
I hope…
As you know, I’m still stuck in the weekend on Monday.
As I’m still stuck in the weekdays on Saturday.
Change in routine is definitely an issue in Autism…
Today I’m thinking of a name for my channel.
Ideas are plentiful, but you can’t imagine the unavailable titles! Or is it that all autistics think the same?!
Well, it is known that Aspergers tend to obsess on a specific subject, David Bowie in my case. His music speaks to me, literally. And I m not alone apparently…
So this is going to be a musical blog I guess.
How does music impact your life?
I can’t live without it, I express myself through music.
There s a Bowie song for each state of mind of mine.
I grew up in the 80s with him.
I’ll continue my discussion on music and David Bowie.
First of all, I want to say that I m a Christian, meaning I don’t worship anybody outside God. I believe God speaks through people and art.
Bowie speaks to me.
However, I love all music.
As an 80s child, I was inevitably influenced by Bowie.
I identified in him and most of today s music means nothing to me. Now, don’t get me wrong: this is not a blog about Bowie, but how he impacted me.
You should know that Mental Illness ran in his family. In one of his lyrics, he sings ♪ I had so many breakthroughs! ♪
His life ran along mine. Bowie would only write from real experiences, from his tragic childhood to stardom and addictions in the 70s.
Although I wasn’t around in the 70s, I did extensive research.
I know pretty much everything on Bowie.
Are we talking of passion or obsession?
What s the difference?
Neurotypicals would talk of the former for themselves and the latter in Autism…but is it not the same???
Again, is Autism a kind of personality or illness?
What we know for sure, is that society values homogeneity and shuns diversity. Unless you’re an artist, ironically.
Bowie was called ‘the Master of transformation’! And sold millions of records!
That being the case , would debunk the whole ‘diversity theory’ for the ‘success theory’: if you re rich and famous, diversity is praised. If you’re poor and unproductive you’re shunned… and when I say “unproductive” I mean different, not lazy!
Laziness is unknown to autistics! Add the co-morbidity of ADHD with Autism and you ll notice immediately the discrepancy… have you ever seen a lazy ADHDer???
The reality is that many people still deem short attention-span as laziness.
Not to mention the 80s when teachers didn’t have any Mental Health training.
I endured all sorts of abuse at the hands of teachers!
But back to music.
I apologize for the small outburst.
It is scientifically proven that music enhances memory and emotions.
So how does it affect autistics?
Writing in the rain.
The air is so saturated that my brain can’t get the right amount of oxygen.
I’m literally hyperventilating in order to stay focused for writing. My ADHD doesn’t help and so do meds.
I apologize in advance for any mistake.
I’ll discuss Weather and Autism in a separate blog.
Are passion and obsession ‘states of mind’?
They are to me.
And I don’t see anything wrong with it: I can listen to David Bowie all day.
That causes a lot of friction with my wife, a Bowie fan herself… needless to say that s an Obsession to her resulting in arguments.
The following is our stereotypical reaction:
“What’s wrong with you? You like David Bowie!” Me
“As far as it doesn’t become an obsession!” Wife
“I love him! What do you mean by Obsession?” Me
“A negative State of mind!” She
“Like what???” Me
“Loss of interest in different things!” She
Reluctantly I change music for her benefit although not understanding what a ‘State of mind’ is to neurotypicals.
I’d like to hear from you.
