Post by Ann on May 3, 2004 12:33:24 GMT -5
Warren whispers. That's what he does. That's his job. That's his only job.
And then there are Warren whispers which are the actual things that Warren whispers. Things such as "you feel tired, a cig makes that feeling go away", "you feel tense, a cig makes that feeling go away", "you are out of the dentist office and feel relief, a cig = relief", .... those are routine Warren whispers.
When Warren whispers, there is only an association. His job is to recognize a physical sensation and to associate, from experience, an appropriate response. That's Warren's job, his only job. Warren has a job, but NEVER an agenda. Having an agenda would imply he has some sort of 'overview' or 'perspective'. He has none of that. All he cares about is his job of recognizing a sensation and associating a response. Worry about something and get tense muscles, he'll recognize the tension and associate a cig response. Work hard all day with little rest or sustenance, get fatigued, Warren will recognize the sensations of brain fog and a generally pooped body and associate a cig response. Eat spicy salsa, Warren will recognize a numb mouth and burning throat and probably associate a gallon or two of water or a couple of cold beers.
If you haven't realized yet, Warren isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. In fact, he's pretty much a one trick pony. It's just that he's remarkably good and consistent at the performance of his one trick. He doesn't see smoking as anything other than an appropriate and proven response to any number of physical sensations. Bottom line is that Warren doesn't care if we smoke or not. He doesn't care if we smoke, spit sunflower seeds, or stand on our heads as long as the action effectively addresses the perceived sensation. Teach him different responses and, as long as the new responses are 'appropriate' to the relief of the sensation, he'll happily carry on associating while caring not at all what the specific association is.
You must keep in mind however, that Warren is a bit 'challenged' in that he's a bit slow to accept change. As you train him to make new associations, he'll tend to return to old patterns. You need patience and a bit of perseverance. Don't get angry or upset with him and don't call him names. Aside from the fact that he's not a demon and doesn't want to 'trick' you, he doesn't understand your anger and it will only make him confused, upset, and obstinate. Warren will respond best to a firm but gentle hand. ABCs will offer him new choices for association. Remember, Warren cares only that the association is to some response that 'works'. Keep pointing the way for him till he learns the new patterns and he'll take over and once again be a most reliable, consistent, and dependable whisperer.
Copyright © 2001 Steve Polansky (ddsteve) All rights reserved.
And then there are Warren whispers which are the actual things that Warren whispers. Things such as "you feel tired, a cig makes that feeling go away", "you feel tense, a cig makes that feeling go away", "you are out of the dentist office and feel relief, a cig = relief", .... those are routine Warren whispers.
When Warren whispers, there is only an association. His job is to recognize a physical sensation and to associate, from experience, an appropriate response. That's Warren's job, his only job. Warren has a job, but NEVER an agenda. Having an agenda would imply he has some sort of 'overview' or 'perspective'. He has none of that. All he cares about is his job of recognizing a sensation and associating a response. Worry about something and get tense muscles, he'll recognize the tension and associate a cig response. Work hard all day with little rest or sustenance, get fatigued, Warren will recognize the sensations of brain fog and a generally pooped body and associate a cig response. Eat spicy salsa, Warren will recognize a numb mouth and burning throat and probably associate a gallon or two of water or a couple of cold beers.
If you haven't realized yet, Warren isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. In fact, he's pretty much a one trick pony. It's just that he's remarkably good and consistent at the performance of his one trick. He doesn't see smoking as anything other than an appropriate and proven response to any number of physical sensations. Bottom line is that Warren doesn't care if we smoke or not. He doesn't care if we smoke, spit sunflower seeds, or stand on our heads as long as the action effectively addresses the perceived sensation. Teach him different responses and, as long as the new responses are 'appropriate' to the relief of the sensation, he'll happily carry on associating while caring not at all what the specific association is.
You must keep in mind however, that Warren is a bit 'challenged' in that he's a bit slow to accept change. As you train him to make new associations, he'll tend to return to old patterns. You need patience and a bit of perseverance. Don't get angry or upset with him and don't call him names. Aside from the fact that he's not a demon and doesn't want to 'trick' you, he doesn't understand your anger and it will only make him confused, upset, and obstinate. Warren will respond best to a firm but gentle hand. ABCs will offer him new choices for association. Remember, Warren cares only that the association is to some response that 'works'. Keep pointing the way for him till he learns the new patterns and he'll take over and once again be a most reliable, consistent, and dependable whisperer.
Copyright © 2001 Steve Polansky (ddsteve) All rights reserved.
