
Repeating unhelpful patterns and how to change, by Wendy Bramham

In other words, if we can become more conscious of our feelings, thoughts and actions we can free ourselves to make better choices the next time around; and to be who we are rather than being determined by past experiences. The following anonymous poem demonstrates this cycle:
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in
I am lost… I am helpless… it isn’t my fault
It takes forever to find a way out.
2. I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit.. but,
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
4. I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
5. I walk down another street.