The Dark Path

**labelwench** · 06-20-2010 03:06 AM

Originally Posted by G_burnett

LOL i just read your thread starter ... right ok ... ahh working the graveyard shift = the Dark path ... lol thought it was other meaning like what constitutes a Dark Path ... wow ben posting way out of topic ...sorry Anna .. g.

Though this thread was started with the intent of seeking new input on the topic of graveyard shift and it's psychological effects on the individual, at a later time I expanded the thread to include any subject which draws ones mind toward the melancholy or introspective, which is one of the peculiar effects that I have observed among those who continue for any length of time upon the "Dark Path'.

I have noted that my mind functions very differently, depending which side of the day/night cycle that I am operating on, and that is why I give frequent reference to other posters when I am retiring, that they might be cognizant of which side of my brain they are likely to encounter.

On Tuesday's and Wednesdays, I am totally a day person, and my mind is more analytical and objective. Thursdays through Mondays, I frequently work on limited sleep, and am operating from my subjective 'right side' of the brain, far more than usual.

This pattern is observable in the persons who stay on graveyards for considerable time, and most experience a form of psychological breakdown at the 6-8 month point, which then comes around after another interval of several months, and again etc. This seems to a point of 'reset' for the circadian rhythms, and the first time or two it happens, is very distressing. Once one recognizes that this is a 'normal' part of biology when one pushes it into unknown territory, one becomes able to analyze and predict it's pending arrival and understand how best to mitigate the effects, which may manifest as either of chronic fatigue or hyperactivity, with a tend toward spontaneity, lending a somewhat 'bi-polar' aspect to the otherwise seemingly well-adjusted individual.

From my research into the topic, I have been able to assist others who wish to take advantage of night work, which offers higher pay and allows one to experience more freedom in their personal scheduling in some respects while being very limiting in others,as the rest of the world follows the 9-5, Monday through Friday, as it's preferred model. When that first 'reset' strikes, most people are ready to walk away from the time and seniority they have invested in the job, as one tends to become quite emotional and dysfunctional the first time it is encountered.

I should add, that the venue I work in, in the past, was extremely demanding and that several actions have assisted in addressing the problems likely to be encountered. The supply of a nutritious night lunch at my former venue greatly aided in the energy and attitude of employees and reduced illness and sick days significantly. Attention to scheduling and the allowing of regular requested days off (without pay) once a month or more if circumstances permit/are requested, has also been an aid for many, as the difficulty to manage sleep and the need for social interaction are challenges to many.

The job is well suited to the independent mind and personality. We are a company of loners at my present employment venue, each respecting the independent and dependable qualities of the others.

June 21st is my 5 year anniversary of working graveyards, during some very challenging times at some early venues and encountering other persons who were, in fact, ill, and unaware of the condition, which provided some unique communication problems to go along with the increased physical demands placed upon the mind/body by forcing it to go beyond it's comfort zone.

At this point in the game, I believe that I have transitioned into a creature of 'floating circadian rhythm' which is a theory that I encountered in my research, which, in retrospect, I should have been book-marking, collating etc., yet the night shift mind does not work that way.

Besides, each person is unique and may experience the effects quite differently, and with the technology of the inter-net, should do the research that seems best suited to them, I am thinking. Greenbug has some long experience of these matters and has offered some excellent insights.

So, no need to apologize G., and I hope you will continue to post your thoughts and music on this, and any of the threads I have started.

It's all about the journey, which is far more interesting by those whom we share it with......

As ever,

Anna

**labelwench** · 06-21-2010 02:35 PM

The Science of Good and Evil, a brief interview with the author of the book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar2gI...eature=related

**labelwench** · 07-04-2010 03:43 AM

The only constant observable is change, IMO, and the course of any life is the story of the changes experienced by the individual. How well we deal with these changes, be they of positive or negative energy, in large part determines how satisfied we feel in our own mind, and also how others may view and interact with us.

Equilibrium is a state that cannot be maintained for long in life, as all is motion. Even for those who choose not to move far in the physical sense, the change is constant and such individuals retain relative stationary position by means of constant re-balance, not unlike log-rolling, in which one does not move anywhere, yet constant readjustment is required.

Graveyard shift. Always the same. Always different.

Fewer outside distractions, for the most part.

Allows me time to think, while my body attends to the work.

That is much of the attraction of this venue for myself, and more daylight hours during the winter to enjoy outside pursuits.

The pay is a little better also, so that's a plus as well.

As the days begin to shorten once again, it's time to go once more.....
......to attend the dark path.

**labelwench** · 07-06-2010 03:13 PM

Acoustic Alchemy - Oceans Apart

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7b...ns-apart_music

**labelwench** · 07-07-2010 09:49 AM

The importance of sleep, in the right amount and at the right times cannot be overstated. Our 24/7 modern society is increasing health risks to a growing percentage of the population, yet there are many reasons why this work needs be attended. There are some considerations that can be addressed by the individual, should they choose to continue a path that quite clearly goes against the natural programming of the body, for most of us, though perhaps not all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke5Io...eature=related

**labelwench** · 07-10-2010 03:30 AM

Communication between she/he is ever an issue, and some things that grate on the female psyche do not even register on the male radar, in my observation.

I take a pretty relaxed attitude toward housework, as long as basic health and safety needs are not compromised. Dust bunnies are free to roam, as long as they do not trip me up, but the food service areas must be kept hygienic. That none have ever had food borne illness in this place is testament to my Mother's instruction.

Working opposing shifts once again, my partner and I pass like ships in the night, and some details need communicating, as in his cooking style that frequently sees pots boil over onto the range, leaving stains baked on to the burner caps. If attended to immediately, such are not a burden, yet this requires quick action and the inconvenience of cleaning up a hot stove with a brief interruption of the cooking process, and saves considerable elbow grease or use of chemicals later.

As I do up the dishes before showering, I scrub the caps, but have not got the time (or energy) to deal with the range grates yet again.

How to make this concern known without being a 'nag'?

Hmmmmm........

Perhaps I shall leave the burner caps to dry, and the range grates removed, rendering the stove unusable until it is reassembled.

I am not expecting the grates will get scrubbed, but I do expect he may make polite enquiry into the dissembly of the cooking area.

Seems worth the try, lol........