yes, thank you for sharing your father and this philosophy you shared with him What a wonderful quote. Very powerful. And thanks for checking in with us... you are in the forefront of our hearts and minds at this difficult time. ((((Sirius)))) more hugs.
How interesting... have you been camping out in my brain? Everything you said makes absolute sense to me... the people who think it is great, the people who don't notice because it benefits them.... any mental health person I see ALWAYS says I think too much. I used to think :) they were crazy for thinking it was a bad thing. It's what I do best! Think, think, think... except it kinda sorta ends up tying us in knots. As you noted.
I have discovered a new meditation thingy that you might try. It is called "Zentangling" ... if you do an internet search you can find more info, but basically it is learning these really intricate patterns that take total concentration to do... and these pictures just seem to form themselves out of it. I've been a doodler all my life (it's calming) but this is doodling at a whole different level. I've been doing this for about a month and even when I'm not drawing.... if I find myself getting anxious w/mind racing... I can plan a new pattern and try to figure it out in my mind..... then everything else just falls away. I don't even notice that I'm getting calmer until I look up and realize I've been lost "in the zone."
I hope you will give it a try... I'd love to know if you find it helpful too.
I agree that there IS a reason for every reaction... we just don't always know what it is. Love the bear example. Perfect. Story of my life Since doing this program I have learned to be more aware of my thoughts and feelings. Little tiny steps brought me to a huge realization about panic attacks caused by wind... which I would berate myself over... until the tiny steps led to connecting tiny dots that led to me remembering the intense winds that were blowing the night of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the city I was living in at the time. Suddenly this stupid, absolutely no reason for it, panic about high winds....well, it made sense. Now, when the winds are raging (like yesterday... 65 mph sustained wind) I can tell myself there is (metaphorically) no bear outside (or destroyed city) and know it is true and calm myself. I'm not perfect at it yet, but it is so much better.
Speaking of wind, Davit.... not to be nitpicky, but since I'm writing about it... I wonder ... doesn't wind defy this definition?
Also if you can't see it or hold it in your hand it is not there, you
just think it is.
Thanks Davit and Sunny... I knew I was missing something so had to ask. I love the new softer images of wind that you both shared. I look forward to changing my fear into appreciation. Next time it blows (probably this afternoon) I'll go outside and feel some in my hand
Diane... whine all you need to (although you don't sound whiney to me...you should hear me when I get started ) I agree 100% with Davit. You are on the right track. Keep coming back. Keep posting. It WILL get better. Actually, I envy you your ability to cry. I have a hard time with that... I think it is a good release... even if it annoys you.... Let it go sweetie... there always is a reason... Sometimes, our bodies seem to know what we need better than our minds do. Just a thought. Hang in there. We ARE here for you.
Ocean, it really is harder than we think when we start.... and, yet.... after we get going on the program it makes more sense and one thing leads to another and it does get easier and more natural. Davit is right (again :) once you "get it" you realize how simple it is... most of the time. I think you are doing great... so open and ready to learn. That's all it takes. Keep asking those questions!
Good for you Red! Enjoy... and thanks for sharing what you have learned... strikes me that I'm the same way. Hadn't realized that it's the preliminary negative/fearful thoughts that make going out so hard. Once I'm out there... usually, I'm ok too. Thanks for pointing that out. I hope you had a great day!
Oh, Sirius... got those tears in my eyes reading about the funeral and especially the hawk. What a gift! Both in the message you received and in sharing it with us. I'm glad it brought you peace. I hope you have a laptop so you can check in with us while you are on bed rest. Do, please... take care of yourself and let others help you out and support you through this. Good for you following up with your doctor... that's not always easy to do. Just a thought, but have you learned how to do the box breathing and relaxation exercises? Maybe it will help. Hard to start, but helpful in calming the heart and mind....
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