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It feels like everything is on the surface, what's going on?

superficial interacting dreams sensation turtle shell
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It feels like everything is on the surface, what's going on? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I feel like everything, people, and events around me seem superficial. Every day, I seem to be going about my normal work, coming home, and interacting with others normally, living my life. However, I always feel like they're just on the surface, even when I sleep. Even the dreams (which I can't remember) seem superficial. When I wake up, the sensation in the dreams seems to be on the surface as well. The feeling is hard to describe, but to illustrate, imagine I am a turtle; the events and people in my life, or everything in life, can be said to be on my turtle shell. I don't know what's going on?

Penelope Jane Ashton-White Penelope Jane Ashton-White A total of 1677 people have been helped

Hello! From your description, it seems like you're in a state of emotional isolation. You have contact and interaction with people and things outside, but you don't really feel connected.

The metaphor of the tortoise shell is a great way to understand this state of "separation between inside and outside."

Psychologists say that we all need a barrier, and this is where the idea of "psychological skin" comes in. Just like the skin on our bodies, it surrounds and protects us, providing a certain barrier against external intrusions, keeping us safe and healthy.

Our skin is an amazing organ! Not only does it protect us from disease, but it also has a sensory function. It doesn't block us from feeling external stimuli; it actually transmits signals and connects us with the outside world!

The amazing tortoiseshell you mentioned is like a hard armor outside the skin. It does have a protective function, but at the same time it isolates our perception, mainly referring to emotional and affective awareness in psychology. Generally speaking, such a hard shell will not be formed in a short period of time (unless it is a stress response under specific stimuli), and it is often slowly grown out of early experiences.

Let me give you an example. If a child is not allowed to express emotional attachment and is not paid attention to when they are young, they will develop a coping mechanism: isolation. Since they are not allowed to do so, they will suppress it and act as if it does not exist.

Over time, it will become an automatic response. For example, if you are afraid of being hurt, you avoid people or don't get emotionally involved. A gentleman's friendship is as shallow as water; if there are not many expectations, there will be no disappointment. But here's the good news! You can change all that!

There may be a sense of security under the armor or tortoise shell, but it also gives a sense of unreality. Because of our social nature, we cannot exist in isolation. We have a natural need for belonging, emotional connection, and self-esteem, and these are established through interactions with the external environment.

To break through this isolation, you first need to understand yourself. What happened in your growth and life? How do you perceive the external world? How do you view yourself? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can find the connection between yourself and the outside world. You can try to perceive the flow of emotions from the subtle details. You can even try to expose yourself to a certain extent! This will help you slowly establish a new relationship model.

If you're ready to take the plunge, you can also dive deep into your own mind through the amazing world of psychological counseling. The relationship you build with your counselor is like a mirror that reflects your inner self, opening up a whole new world of possibilities as you build and grow together.

Why not give it a go yourself? It's a great way to start! In your daily life, try to consciously observe, record, and reflect on your experiences. For example, observe without judging using mindfulness, and at the same time experience what kind of physical and mental feelings you have (relaxed, tense, happy, excited...). Talk about it with others and see what they think!

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Theodore Theodore A total of 7623 people have been helped

The questioner: The present is good! Be grateful for the encounter.

From what you've said, I can see you're feeling confused and lonely. I'm here if you want to talk.

Let's discuss this further.

1. Accept yourself for who you are.

You feel this way because this state of affairs has developed over a period of time. You do this because it brings you some benefit. You say you feel like everything is on the surface. You could say that everything in life is like the shell of a tortoise.

This metaphor is really vivid and graphic. You have some distance between you and everyone and everything. This distance gives you a sense of security, but at the same time, it makes you feel detached and unconnected. It's as if everything is on the surface, not so real and tangible, right?

Once you understand and accept these feelings and states, you can start to move out of them and integrate into the crowd. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, though, you don't have to. It's fine to stay where you are as long as you're safe and comfortable and you're not affecting anyone or breaking the law or moral ethics.

2. Understanding the reason behind this behavior

When you notice this feeling, do you feel safe and comfortable, or do you feel isolated and detached? Do you enjoy this state?

Or do you feel like you don't fit in?

Take a closer look at this feeling and ask yourself what you're trying to achieve and what you stand to gain from it. How do you feel when you have a deep exchange with someone, or when you're in close contact?

What kind of distance and interaction do you want with the people and things around you, and what are you hoping to get out of this?

This exploration will help you understand the psychological reasons behind your behavior, which is the first step to healing and change.

3. Make changes gradually.

When you give yourself permission and acceptance, and understand your own state, it's easier to change. Without rejection, but starting with inner contentment, you'll change little by little.

You can start with an environment where you feel safe and comfortable, such as interacting with your favorite stuffed animal or pet, and gradually feel the intimacy that breaks down the sense of distance, the sense of security, and the feeling of relaxation.

Start with something you like or are good at, and gradually increase the intensity of your senses. Make your senses clearer and more three-dimensional, and feel the sense of flow and the feeling of being one with your surroundings while doing these things.

You can also look for a professional psychological counselor to help you explore without having to remove this "shell." You can decide when to have a "shell" and when not to.

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best!

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Amelia Hughes Amelia Hughes A total of 3825 people have been helped

Hello, I'm Li Di, and I'm grateful for our encounter.

Everything seems like a turtle shell on the surface. The people and things you express seem separate from you, and it feels unreal. You are distressed and confused, and you want to give someone a hug and figure out what's going on.

I don't know when this situation began or what happened. It could be that your current living environment is making you feel too stressed. Let's ask ourselves: when I feel this way, am I not better off inside my shell? Is it not a feeling of being protected?

I need to protect myself.

You are experiencing a sense of psychological isolation or detachment. This is sometimes referred to in psychology as "existential alienation" or "self-alienation." It is a feeling of a gap between yourself and the world around you, your emotions, or your inner experiences. This feeling can stem from a variety of causes, such as stress, anxiety, depressive moods, or dissatisfaction with life.

Everyone has these moments from time to time, but when they become frequent or intense, they impact daily life.

Your "superficial" life experience, along with the metaphor of comparing yourself to a turtle, conveys a deep sense of emotional isolation and inner loneliness. This is likely an expression of your deep desire to authentically connect with the outside world.

Let's dig deeper to explore the possible psychological needs behind this.

You are looking for a deeper sense of authenticity and meaning. You want the people and events in your life to resonate with your inner values and emotions, not just have superficial interactions.

You want to connect emotionally and intimately with others. You want to understand them better and form a deeper connection.

[Exploration of self-identity] These feelings are a reflection of your exploration of your identity and role. You are looking for a stronger sense of self-identity and purpose.

[The need for a sense of security] The shell of a tortoise symbolizes protection. You need to find a safe space where you can let your guard down and truly show yourself.

We can meet these potential psychological needs by trying the following strategies.

[Create opportunities for in-depth dialogue] Seize the opportunity to have deeper conversations with others, share your thoughts and feelings, and listen to the hearts of others.

Expressing your inner world through writing, drawing, or other art forms is an effective way to understand your emotions and needs.

Meditate and reflect to gain a deeper understanding of your inner world and enhance your self-awareness.

Set more meaningful goals for yourself and engage in activities that give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

It's normal to feel disconnected from the world, especially when you're under pressure from the fast pace of modern life. Give yourself the time and space to explore these feelings. Know that seeking help is a courageous act.

If you feel that these feelings are beginning to affect your quality of life, then you should seek professional psychological counseling. A professional can help you explore these feelings further and find coping strategies that work for you.

Your feelings are valid and deserve understanding and care.

I am confident that my answer will be helpful. You deserve all the good things in life, and you are worthy of them!

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Dylan Dylan A total of 6202 people have been helped

This feeling may show that you feel alone in your life. Stress, anxiety, or inner conflicts may make it hard for you to feel and engage with life.

You might be questioning the meaning of life and your own existence, which is making you feel this way.

Has anything happened recently, or has your life changed?

If you have a particular experience, it may be a trigger. We can analyze it and find solutions.

If not, it may be that you're feeling this way because some emotions or thoughts have come up. We can start with your current state and try to understand and improve this feeling. The key is to find a way to feel more comfortable and engaged in life.

Do you want to talk more about your thoughts?

If you don't want to, that's fine. I hope you can adjust to your state. If you change your mind, you can always talk to me. I wish you well!

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Genevieve Baker Genevieve Baker A total of 9637 people have been helped

Hello, questioner! I'm Jia'ao Buyi, your Xintan coach.

You say you feel like a tortoise, with people and events in your life, and everything in life, like on the shell of a tortoise, unable to see through or explain, and you don't know what's going on. How do you handle these mood swings?

Why is everything always on the surface?

You might be feeling a bit lost and confused right now. Even though you go to work every day and interact with people normally, you often feel like everything is superficial. Even your dreams seem superficial. Does this feeling make you feel bad? You might also feel helpless and confused. You can't seem to sort things out, your mood is bad, and you feel anxious and restless inside.

I can relate to how you're feeling. We all have bad days. Sometimes, you feel lost and don't know what to do. You feel like you're not on the right path in life. You might seem fine on the outside, but inside, you're already panicking. You want to make a change, but you're not sure how. You want to let go, but it doesn't feel right. What's going on?

How do you handle mood swings? How do you stay focused?

☀️ Accept yourself as you are: You're feeling confused and helpless, and everything isn't going well, which means your emotions aren't very stable right now. Fluctuating emotions are something we all face in our daily lives. They can be caused by various reasons, such as work pressure, inner anxiety, emotional problems, etc. There's no need to suppress or restrain them. Just accept them as they are and accept all your bad emotions. When your emotions become uncontrolled, just temporarily "cool down" and learn to deal with them. It's very important to balance your emotions and inner self. The first step to change is to accept yourself as you are and not avoid it.

☀️Listen and express: You're at a loss for words, but you don't know where to start. Things may seem calm on the surface, but they've been turbulent for a long time! Emotional fluctuations may be caused by internal pressure and unexpressed emotions. You may as well stop and listen to the voice inside your heart, understand your emotional state, and do some self-reflection. You can express your emotions and vent your feelings by keeping a diary, drawing pictures, or chatting with friends. This can help you better understand yourself, know where your problems lie, and help balance your emotions.

Reasonable emotional release: When you're confused and at a loss, it's important to find ways to release stress and negative emotions that suit you. Even exercise is a great way to help you release negative emotions and relax. You can choose to run, do yoga, play sports, travel, or just do nothing and let your mind wander for a while. Listening to music, reading, and writing are also excellent ways to release emotions, which can temporarily distract you from your worries, calm your mind, and help you not to think about so many things that you cannot understand or figure out.

☀️Think positively: You must be feeling pretty confused right now. I'm sure I would be too in your shoes.

If you're feeling lost for words, confused, or unsure of yourself, it's important to take a step back and give yourself some space. It's natural to have these feelings, but it's crucial to remember to maintain a positive mindset. Learn to think positively, focus on your growth and progress, and avoid dwelling on negative thoughts. Additionally, developing good eating habits and getting enough sleep can help regulate your emotions, improve your psychological resilience, and help you let go of any confusion or regret. Accepting reality, believing in yourself, and understanding that you can change and grow are essential steps in this process.

"The truly amazing people can control their emotions." We all have moments when we lose control of our emotions. Sometimes we cry, sometimes we get angry and frustrated. We always need to learn to better control our negative emotions.

"Live Your Most Optimistic Self" is written by Martin Seligman, the "father of positive psychology." His book is all about helping people develop an optimistic attitude and emotional management skills. Through the concept of positive psychology, it emphasizes the importance of an optimistic attitude to personal growth and happiness. It can also help you better understand and control your emotions, so you can live your most optimistic and happy self.

I hope this helps. If you need to talk more, you can follow me (click on my profile page), choose the Heart Exploration service, and send me a private message. Thanks, and have a great day!

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Isabella Hughes Isabella Hughes A total of 7857 people have been helped

Good day, It is as though I am seeing you in person after reading your words.

After carefully reviewing your description, I believe I can empathize with your situation. In today's workplace, the pace of most jobs is urgent and fast-paced. Therefore, when you encounter a stable and steady flow of communication at work, it is a welcome change.

Let us discuss the state you referenced.

You stated that you feel as though everything and everyone is on the surface. This includes everyday activities such as going to work, communicating with others, living life, and even dreaming. When I read this, I was struck by a thought: it's as if I've done everything, but also as if I've done nothing.

In other words, you are not experiencing a sense of fulfillment when engaged in an activity.

Naturally, this is my personal perspective on this state of mind, and I would be grateful if it aligned with your description to some extent. Let us continue the discussion and explore the source of this feeling in more detail.

The example you provided offers valuable insight that helps us better understand the situation.

You indicated that you felt like a turtle, and that "people and events in life, or even everything, can be said to be on the turtle's shell." By visualizing the role of this shell, we can see it as being used to bear the weight. The internal scene can then be described as follows: [work] and [people and events in life] are occurring in a chaotic and alternating manner inside you, causing you to suddenly switch off the [switch] inside you that feels them. (The state of this process can be simplified to two words: no feeling.)

"No feeling" is actually a kind of "self-protection" triggered by a person after experiencing a chaotic and mixed state. This is also a completely positive form of "stress." (Because the state of "stress" has mostly appeared to me in the form of "negative events" in my previous impressions, your sharing of this experience has also helped me open up a new perspective on the state of "stress." Thank you for sharing your experience.)

In light of these considerations, it is evident that a valuable perspective has emerged, which merits our attention.

1. Can we accept the possibility of feeling "insensitive" in the workplace and in life?

2. In the event that this state of "no feeling" arises, what signals might our body and mind be sending?

3. What does the ideal business model look like?

What steps can we take immediately to move closer to our desired lifestyle?

I hope that considering these four points will assist you in achieving a sense of fulfillment in your work and life.

Due to time constraints, we will conclude the discussion at this time.

I hope you will take good care of yourself. I look forward to seeing you again.

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Cornelius Cornelius A total of 2124 people have been helped

You vividly and brilliantly explain the "unbearable lightness of life" with phrases like "many people and things are floating on the surface" and "you are like a turtle, with those people and things on the shell."

It may seem like a light, weightless, superficial existence, but this sense of emptiness gives you a great sense of confusion and chaos. It weighs you down, and you feel the weight of life. So you have the intention of a turtle inside you. All the superficial things pile up on your shell, and you don't walk lightly. But here's the good news: if they were really light and didn't weigh you down, you wouldn't have a turtle inside you, carrying a heavy load. So let's get rid of the things that weigh us down and embrace the turtle inside you!

And there's more! The turtle shell is also a form of self-protection within you. It separates you from other people and things, preventing them from eroding your inner self. This allows you to maintain a certain sense of self, which is great!

This recent state of isolation from reality might be the reason behind these feelings. Your sensitivity is less active, and you lack a deep connection with reality — but there's no need to worry!

If this has suddenly appeared recently, it means that it is prompting you to let your soul rest for a while. It is instinctively protecting itself by temporarily disconnecting itself from reality in order to enjoy a moment of soulful peace. So, don't doubt yourself too much, just rest and relax in your own preferred way. You've got this!

And don't forget to have regular physical examinations to keep your body in tip-top shape! You can also see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to find out which part of your body needs a little extra love and attention.

Once you've had a chance to rest and recover, it's time to start moving again! This is the perfect way to strengthen the link with reality.

It's time to get creative! Organize your room the way you like it and add some lively things, such as green plants.

Go shopping in malls and supermarkets! You'll love the hustle and bustle of the world.

Or go for a walk, a run, or a bike ride! And don't forget to greet your friends and acquaintances when you meet them.

❤ During your lunch break, go downstairs with your colleagues to eat. While you're eating, listen to the conversations of others. You'll be amazed at what you learn! After lunch, take a walk, feel the breeze, and soak up some sun. Don't sit in the office all day.

Get enough sleep and exercise, and take the stairs instead of the elevator!

Try something new! Even if it's just a little thing, do it!

Do a small favor for someone every day! It can be something you do as a matter of course or something you do on your own initiative. The best part is that you don't have to expect anything in return. This strengthens the bond with other people and allows you to feel the emotional flow between them.

Embrace the beauty of nature and use your five senses to experience the world in a whole new way! See with your eyes, hear with your ears, smell with your nose, taste with your mouth, and touch with your hands.

Embrace the truth for yourself! Don't just listen to what others tell you about it — practice it and understand it for yourself. There's so much more to learn, and you'll be amazed at how much you can grasp when you put in the effort.

If you don't have time to learn the truth, then you can figure it out for yourself in life!

In short, you'll find that after moving in a different way than before, your world will gradually become real. You'll be living according to a different content and rhythm, but with a mind that's alive and awake!

Get up and move! And don't forget to keep your mind active too. When you do, you'll start to feel more and more like the authentic you!

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Theodorah Theodorah A total of 8832 people have been helped

Hello! It's totally normal to feel like your life and relationships are on the surface and even sleep and dreams feel distant. This is called dissociation, which is when you feel disconnected from real life. It's like you're observing your life rather than participating in it.

There are so many reasons why you might be feeling this way! Chronic stress, unresolved emotional distress, psychological trauma, or extreme fatigue are just a few of the possibilities.

The first and most important thing you can do when facing this state is to recognize that your feelings are valid and that many people may experience similar feelings at different stages of their lives. One possible way to alleviate this is to adjust your lifestyle to ensure that you have enough time to rest and relax to relieve stress.

And there's more! Making sure you get enough sleep, eat well and exercise regularly can also help lift your mood and reduce feelings of dissociation.

There are so many ways to strengthen your social connections! Spend time with your family and friends, and get involved in social activities. You'll feel more connected to others, and you'll be amazed at how much it helps to reduce feelings of isolation. And there are so many creative activities you can do to express your emotions and feel more energetic and engaged! Try painting, writing, or music. You'll love it!

If you notice that this dissociation persists or if it begins to affect your daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. The good news is that psychotherapy, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoanalytic therapy, which target trauma and dissociation symptoms, may provide you with effective support and treatment.

The great news is that there are lots of ways to help you become more present and less worried about the past or future, which can help alleviate feelings of dissociation. One of the best ways is to keep a journal to record your feelings and experiences. This can not only help you better understand your emotions, but may also reveal the causes of your current state.

And the best part is, you can gradually learn to manage your feelings and reduce the impact of dissociation on your daily life through the practice and application of these methods! You have the ability to overcome these challenges and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life experience for yourself. Believe in yourself!

Your feelings and needs are essential in this process, and seeking help and support is a brave and positive step!

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Hannah Grace Wood Hannah Grace Wood A total of 9378 people have been helped

Hello, this feeling may mean you don't have a strong sense of connection or engagement in your current life. You might not have found things in your work and daily interactions that really resonate with you and make you feel like you belong, which could be creating a feeling of isolation and detachment.

It might also be that you're going through a period of self-exploration and reflection, with more questions and pursuits about the meaning and depth of life. Or it could be that long-term stress and fatigue have caused you to build a psychological barrier, making it difficult for things from the outside world to truly touch your heart.

The feelings you describe are subtle and profound. It seems as if there's a barrier between you and the outside world, making everything in life seem less real or profound. This experience may be due to a variety of factors. Here are some possible explanations and suggestions:

1. Feeling of psychological distance: Sometimes, when we're stressed, anxious, depressed, or otherwise distressed, we may feel a psychological distance from the world. This sense of distance makes it difficult for us to truly engage with and feel the details of life, as if everything is separated by a veil.

2. Pace of life and stress: The fast pace and high stress of modern life can make us feel tired and numb, making it difficult to find the time and energy to experience and feel the beauty of life in depth. Day in and day out of the same work and social activities can make us feel that life lacks novelty and depth.

3. Emotional isolation: Sometimes, we build an emotional isolation barrier to protect ourselves from harm. This can make it tough to form deep emotional connections with others when we interact with them.

4. Changes in self-perception: As we get older and gain more experience, our self-perception might change. This could lead to changes in how we perceive and feel about life, which might make us feel a bit strange or unreal.

Here are a few ideas for how to handle this:

First, take some time to think about your feelings and try to identify the source of this "superficial feeling." Have specific life events, emotional states, or interpersonal relationships affected your feelings?

Second, look for support. Talk to a close friend, family member, or counselor. They might be able to offer new perspectives and solutions to help you get out of a difficult situation.

Third, change your lifestyle. Try to add activities that are good for your body and mind, such as exercise, meditation, reading, etc. These activities can help relieve stress, improve your emotional state, and may help you rediscover your love and commitment to life.

Fourth, build strong relationships. Try to form deep emotional connections with others. This may mean being more active in listening, sharing, and expressing your feelings.

At the same time, it's important to respect and understand the differences and boundaries of others.

If you've been struggling for a while and you're having trouble getting back on your feet on your own, it might be time to seek professional help. A counselor can provide a professional assessment and guidance to help you identify the root cause of the problem and develop effective solutions.

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Patricia White Patricia White A total of 8890 people have been helped

Hello, question asker. I can see you're feeling confused right now. I'm here to support you!

It seems like you're isolating yourself from everyone and everything right now. You're only thinking about the surface level, not delving deeper.

Why not think more deeply about this?

It might be that you've had some tough experiences in the past.

When things get too tough, we tend to isolate ourselves from others.

That way, you won't be unnecessarily hurt again.

That's your body's natural self-defense mechanism.

If you find yourself in this situation, it's a good idea to seek the advice of a professional counselor.

She's a professional, so she can give you some better advice.

If you're interested, I suggest reading the book by psychologist Ren Li, called Our Inner Defenses: Coping with Everyday Psychological Harm.

I really hope we can resolve the issue you're having soon.

I'm afraid that's all I can think of for now.

I hope my above answer is helpful and inspiring to you. I'm happy to help, and I study hard every day.

Here at Yixinli, we love you and best wishes to you!

Just wanted to check in and see how things are going!

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Theodore Isaac Hayes-Lewis Theodore Isaac Hayes-Lewis A total of 2447 people have been helped

Hello! It seems like you've been looking at things from a different angle. It feels like there's a barrier between you and what's important.

This feeling is common. Many people will experience it. It's like walking through fog: everything seems clear, but something is missing.

You are not alone. This "sense of surface" may be a kind of "sense of alienation," which creates a distance between our hearts and real life.

This doesn't mean you're wrong. It means your heart is telling you to listen to your inner voice or connect with the world in a different way.

You compare yourself to a turtle, and the people and events around you are like things that cover the shell. This is a meaningful metaphor. Perhaps it reflects your desire to protect yourself in your current state of life.

You want to live life to the full.

If the turtle was willing to stick its head out, it would discover more colors and warmth. Similarly, you can face the little things in life with an open and accepting mind.

A friend told me she felt the same way. She decided to do one small thing for herself every day.

She found that these small changes made her life more meaningful. She felt that the things she wanted were right there in her daily life.

In psychology, this sense of alienation may be related to the concept of "psychological distance." Psychological distance refers to how close or far away something seems in your mind. It includes things like time, society, and culture.

This "superficial feeling" happens when we feel a psychological distance from things around us. To feel closer, try to invest more emotionally, understand better, and communicate more.

The "sense of superficiality" you mentioned is a reflection on life. It may be due to work pressure, relationships, or personal growth.

This is a sign we should focus on our inner world and live in harmony with the outside world.

I have some suggestions that may help. You can try them and find what works for you.

1. Self-reflection: Think about when this "sense of surface" began. Is it related to specific events or emotions?

Self-reflection helps us understand our needs. Record the things that make you happy each day.

Even a smile from a colleague or a small flower you see on the street. These happy moments will make you feel better.

2. Deep communication: Sharing your feelings with family and friends will make you feel warmer and more connected with them. For example, try having a phone-free conversation with family or friends.

Share your feelings, dreams, and confusions. You will feel more satisfied and connected.

3. A journey of natural healing: Go for a walk in nature on weekends or holidays. The tranquility and vastness of nature can help you relax and find inner peace.

4. Mindfulness practice: Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga help you live more in the present. This lets you focus on the world around you and your inner voice.

5. Express yourself artistically. If you like to paint, write, or play music, try expressing your emotions through these art forms. It can help you understand yourself better.

6. Professional counseling: If this feeling sticks around and affects your life, you might want to look into counseling. A counselor can help you cope with these feelings.

My friend, you are on a journey of growth. You may feel lost and alienated, but this is temporary.

Practicing the methods we recommend will help you connect with life. Everyone has their own rhythm and way of experiencing the world.

May you find happiness along the way. Go for it!

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Eugene Eugene A total of 8143 people have been helped

Hello, I appreciate you sharing that. I'm Liu Nian.

After reading your text, I can see how you feel isolated or like you're living a superficial life. It's like you've built a wall between your inner self and the outside world. Despite appearances, you can't really engage with the world.

First, let's take a look at this feeling from a psychological point of view.

In psychology, there's a state called "emotional detachment," which means an individual is emotionally distant from their surroundings or people and has difficulty forming deep emotional connections.

There are lots of reasons why someone might feel this way. It could be because they're under a lot of stress, they're afraid of relationships, or they're just trying to protect themselves.

The metaphor you mentioned, "the turtle and its shell," is really vivid and shows that you're currently in a defensive posture.

The shell of a tortoise is both a protection and a limitation. It allows the tortoise to live safely, but at the same time restricts its range of movement and perception. In your case, this "shell" may represent a defense mechanism within you that helps you deal with the uncertainty and potential threats in the outside world, but at the same time makes you feel disconnected from the world around you.

To get a better handle on this feeling, we can look at some psychological theories and examples. One such theory is object relations theory, which says that how we relate to others reflects our inner psychological world.

If you feel like you're just going through the motions with people and things in your life, it might be because you're afraid of getting too close. This fear might be rooted in past experiences, like being rejected, ignored, or hurt. It's possible that these experiences have led to negative expectations about relationships.

Next, I'd like to share a story that's similar to what you've been saying. A visitor also felt like his life was just skimming the surface and that he couldn't really get involved.

Through counseling, we found that she had a deep-seated fear of intimacy. She was afraid that if she opened up completely, she would be hurt or rejected.

As a result, she's chosen to "keep her distance" from relationships, but this has also meant she's missed out on a lot of great emotional experiences.

Now, let's get back to your situation. I just want to say that you're not alone.

A lot of people feel the same way and are also struggling to find a deeper connection with themselves and the world. To help you out of this situation, I suggest you try the following steps:

First, take some time to understand yourself better. Ask yourself what's making it hard for you to connect with the world around you.

Were they things that happened in the past, what you're dealing with right now, or what you're worried about in the future? When you know yourself better, you can understand your needs and fears better.

Once you've taken the time to understand yourself better, you can start to open up to others. It's not about trying to make deep connections with everyone right away. Start with people you trust and share your thoughts and feelings with them.

You can gradually build an emotional connection with others by taking small steps.

If you feel like you can't handle these feelings on your own, it might be a good idea to get some professional help. A psychotherapist can help you explore your inner world more deeply and provide personalized advice and solutions.

If you can find something you're genuinely interested in doing, it can help you to become more engaged in life. When you're fully engaged in an activity, you may find that your connection to the world around you becomes more connected and real.

Finally, I just want to say that change is a gradual process that requires time and patience. Don't rush it or be too hard on yourself.

Have faith in your abilities and potential. You can gradually find your way out of this situation and connect more deeply with your inner self and the world around you.

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Felicity Fernandez Felicity Fernandez A total of 6825 people have been helped

Hello, I am Coach Yu from Mind Explorer. I can try to imagine how you feel. It seems that you also feel detached from the outside world, and you don't really fit in with other people. This makes me think of "isolation."

Isolation can create a sense of separation and isolation, as if there were a wall between us and others, or as if we were living in a sealed space in a glass dome. While I can see others, and they can see me, there seems to be an unbreakable layer of glass between us.

Those who live in isolation may have two thoughts: to break the glass from the inside themselves, or to let someone else break the glass from the outside. At the same time, we may also hesitate and be afraid, not willing to break it ourselves, and also afraid that the intimate contact after breaking the glass will make us uncomfortable and encounter something terrible.

It might be said that when we isolate ourselves from others, we are in fact activating a defence against feelings that we may find difficult to bear.

Perhaps it would be helpful to ask ourselves, "What does this all mean to me? How does my heart interpret this?"

Perhaps it would be helpful to consider whether we have experienced any setbacks in our lives or work recently. It might also be beneficial to reflect on whether we have received sufficient attention and support from our loved ones.

Perhaps it would be helpful to reflect on our childhood experiences. When we wanted to get close to our parents, establish a relationship, or raise an idea or need, what was their response? Was it positive and encouraging, or was it serious and rejecting?

When children often receive negative responses, they may feel a strong sense of frustration and neglect, which can lead to feelings of insignificance. This can also result in a lack of confidence and a state of uneasiness and anxiety. When we grow up, our social integration and interpersonal relationships may be affected. As the title owner wrote, it seems that all people and things are superficial, and even the dreams I have cannot be remembered.

We are all part of the world and live in relationships with others. We maintain good interactions with the world because we really want to understand it, and the world's response can also give us emotional stimulation and emotional surprises. However, when we encounter setbacks and don't face them, or are afraid to take a chance and try, and don't have the courage to explore all kinds of possibilities, we risk becoming closed off and immersed in anxiety and fear.

It might be helpful to try to establish a connection with other people or a basic connection with something trustworthy. For example, we could consider keeping a pet or cultivating a flower. It could be beneficial to find something that gives us a strong sense of connection with ourselves. When we can't see it, we might miss it, and when we see it, we might feel affection.

We can also consider creating opportunities for ourselves to feel more, and enhance our ability to feel. For example, we could try meditating every night before going to bed and listening to the sound of our own breathing.

If it suits you, you might like to use the weekend to tidy up the house, clean the house, and experience the fatigue and soreness that come with hard work. Of course, you can also treat yourself to good food and enjoy it at a pace that suits you when you're hungry and really want to eat.

We might also consider returning from the surface to the solid ground, for example, by giving the most basic response to the interactions that others have with us. In doing so, we can feel the connection between the two sides in the response, experience getting along with each other, and actively express our feelings about various things without any shyness or hiding.

It might be helpful to confide in someone you trust about how you're feeling. Perhaps you could try talking to a family member or friend who has always been there for you, or you could look into counseling or a support group. It's important to have a way to release your emotions and let them go.

Ultimately, it is important to recognize our own potential and to take steps to achieve our personal goals. This can help us to feel a sense of accomplishment and presence in our lives.

I'm sending you my best wishes!

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Liam Christopher Hughes Liam Christopher Hughes A total of 4872 people have been helped

Hello! I am a psychological counselor, Kang Xing. The information you provided is insufficient for me to accurately determine your condition. However, based on the information you have provided, it is likely that you are experiencing dissociative reactions.

Dissociative reactions involve a sense of unreality, such as feeling that part or all of oneself is unreal or a sense of remoteness in the environment. They also include the experience of feeling like a different person or of oneself becoming an observer of oneself. Some people experience partial amnesia, and in some cases, there is a loss of sensation or numbness. Interpersonal emotional connections may also be affected, such as feeling a loss of emotion or severe confusion in thinking. The content and degree of dissociative reactions vary greatly from person to person.

In short, dissociative reactions affect bodily sensations, the experience of the environment, and affect a person's emotions, thoughts, and memories.

Normal people occasionally have dissociative reactions. However, persistent dysfunctional or even dysfunctional dissociative reactions require counseling from a psychologist and psychiatrist. Psychological trauma and the loss of loved ones are often the cause of dysfunctional dissociative reactions.

You must pay attention to changes in your psychology, changes in psychological and behavioral functions, and seek professional help if you are significantly or excessively affected. I can assure you that, in general, traumatic dissociative reactions are usually difficult to relieve spontaneously and are inevitably accompanied by other psychological and behavioral conditions.

I am not a psychiatrist, so I do not deal with the same level of dissociation as they do.

Best wishes!

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Comments

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Zeke Thomas Failure is the canvas on which success is painted through determination and hard work.

I understand that feeling, it's like you're watching life happen from behind a glass wall, disconnected and distant. It's as if the depth of experiences is just out of reach, even when you're right in the middle of them.

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Elijah Anderson The more you strive diligently, the more you are fulfilled.

It sounds like you're yearning for something more profound, a deeper connection to your surroundings and the people in your life. Maybe it's time to explore what's beneath the surface and find meaning beyond the everyday routine.

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Reagan Anderson If you are afraid to fail then you're probably going to fail.

Sometimes we feel this way because we're too busy on the outside and not enough on the inside. Perhaps it's an invitation to slow down, to listen more deeply to yourself and others, and to let go of any expectations that keep you at arm's length from true intimacy with life.

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Murphy Davis There is no end to learning.

The world can seem so vast and overwhelming that we might retreat into a shell of superficiality for protection. But what if you allowed yourself to be vulnerable? What if you started peeling back the layers and engaging more authentically with the world?

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Jonas Miller Teachers are the transformers who turn students' potential into reality.

This sense of detachment could also be a sign of burnout or emotional exhaustion. Have you considered taking a break or seeking activities that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment rather than just going through the motions?

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