posted January 20, 2010 04:03 AM         

I remember you saying some things about the social attitude of people in your town - which sounded like "small-town mentality".

The fact that you feel pressured to get married, for example.. I'm not sure whether you'd be as focused on having a long term relationship or marriage if you were living elsewhere.

Is there any way for you to relocate for a while?

It doesn't have to be permanent - I know how Cancers stick by: "home is where the heart is".. But maybe just a while.. a few months. Try to find a job & accommodation in another city - just for the experience.

posted January 20, 2010 04:20 AM         

When people cut themselves or use other means to harm themselves - they often do it because - as you said .. the pain of that seems to release the emotional/psychological pain they're carrying. It distracts them from everything else.

But I think anything that shocks you.. could be a distraction - as much as "pain".
Going on a roller coaster for example.. Jumping into a body of water.. something that wakes you up and brings you back to your physical present reality.. so you don't worry about psychological and emotional stuff.. and you just *experience* the moment.

To me the "self-harming" is a sign that you need to focus on the present.. and that without that level of physical pain your mind drifts to the past and to whatever is causing you emotional pain.

In order to bring YOU back to your reality and physical experience.. try meditation - try clearing your head. Try going somewhere peaceful in nature. Focus on your senses, sounds, smells... try to "think" as little as possible and just relax and take in the environment around you.