Labels

A patient recently shared with me a “breakthrough” that he had regarding not-knowing. He had been labeled as bipolar and hypomanic. That same night I was in a meditation class in an inhabiting practice and the thought that arose was, “ I do not know what inhabiting my feet really means.” I heard the instruction. I had heard it many times before, but throughout the practice what came up for me was I did not know. Following the space of not knowing came a range of experiences which deepened my experience of inhabiting my body. It has led to some reflection on labels.

Why is it necessary to make a diagnosis and therefore label a collection of signs and symptoms? This can be useful in traditional medicine where the label directs the care, such as in hypertension. But once you are given that label, are you a hypertensive? In addiction medicine there are criteria for substance use disorders. But in common parlance we say, you are an addict. Is that helpful to you?

In James Clear’s book Atomic Habits he discusses the importance of identity. If I identify as an addict, a chronic relapser, or an alcoholic that could impair my ability to change. If I identify as a human being invested in my physical, emotional, and spiritual health then drinking, drugging, and other forms of self harm are not consistent with my identity.

Travel deeper than your labels.