Medition classes are triggers for me, any alternative available?

[therisa]

People swear by meditation, as a healing tool, but for me, I find myself, sinking deeper, into my anxiety. Especially, when it's within a group setting, like the few meditation classes, I have attended, offered by a health centre, geared towards the homeless and the LGBT community, here. Also, I find it very hard; to keep my focus on the task at hand, as my mind begins to wander, down the dark corridors, which houses my traumatic experience. Thus, have given up, any thought of using meditation, to deal with my PTSD and other anxiety related problems.

Are there any alternatives, which I can use their principles, as a foundation, to build upon? For I do need help.

 

[DMerish]

Hi Therisa,

I'm a newbie to this forum, but not new to PTSD. I've had a moderate case for some time, but have done a lot of healing and manage pretty well. I completely understand the problem of stuff coming up during meditation, and that it being particularly uncomfortable when it happens in a group environment. Been there/Done that. As a thought, I'll just throw out what helped me in the beginning of my own healing. It was to listen (by myself) to a couple of guided meditations by Louise Hay, specifically, her "Morning and Evening Meditations" . . . I wore the tape out before going on to other things, lol. I do meditate now, and (for me) it's very helpful - and very unlike my first experiences. I'm currently working to support my daughter who is suffering PTSD, which has triggered some anxiety in me (mommy really wants her daughter to heal!), and therefore, just bought myself a new set of the AM and PM tapes - they were that good.

Well, I wish you peace -
Drew

 

[therisa]

Thank you, Drew, for your suggestion. When you mention tapes, are you talking VHS or audio cassette?

 

[DMerish]

:D He, he . . . they were cassette tapes!!! I think the new ones will be on CD. I still have a hand held CD player (lol) so will pop it in and plug in the ear phones. IDK, you may be able to download from the Louise Hay website - You could also find her on YouTube to get a taste of what she's like, although I'll warn you, the YouTube videos are old. LH is like 94 now. She doesn't speak to all people (no one does), but I found her voice to be very soothing, her directions for relaxation clear, and the healing imagery powerful, and the affirmations healing.

I know a few people that have used audio tapes, which have been helpful in their journey . . . just gotta find what works for you.

 

[wicked child]

People swear by meditation, as a healing tool, but for me, I find myself, sinking deeper, into my anxiety.

Thanks for this. I nearly went for this myself. I shall not try this.

 

[Abstract]

I think mindfulness courses may be a good idea Therisa. But maybe you want them guided by a t so that you have help.

Apparently not being able to focus is an indication that this exactly what we need. The more difficult it is to do the more beneficial to do it.

stuff coming up during meditation,

This is the problem I have when attempting to do certain types of mindfulness. Anything that focusses too much on internal and body information sets me off it seems. But I have hope for the future and want to be able to do it eventually.

Mindfulness helps with accepting when our mind wonders and being kind and understanding about that and then calmly guiding it back. It can just take time.

A first step may be to observe and accept emotions when you have them without judging them.


http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/core_mindfulness.html
http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/html/instant_mindfulness.html

 

[therisa]

Thanks, Drew.

Wicked child, you may find that group meditation sessions work for you. Please don't dismiss it, totally, out of hand. LEat, give it, a try, first.

Abstract, my last counsellor did some mindful breathing exercises with me, before she retired. Alas, its been two or so years, since my last session. I need to get myself, back, in the loop, again. Thank you, for the suggested websites. Just need to get my own computer, now. Don't feel comfortable doing this, in the library.

 

[DMerish]

Wicked Child,

Hi there - I noticed your post in another thread related to Vipassana Meditation. I'm not sure if you're aware (so though I'd just throw it out there, in case you're not . . . ), just as there are many different types of therapy and different levels of therapy, used for different purposes, so it is with meditation. One component of therapy deals with relaxation, i.e. allowing the body to simply and deeply relax. The funny/weird thing is that some audio materials or group meetings that involve body relaxation, are called "meditation".

Vipassana Meditation may not be a good path for you to pursue. But, relaxation - do you think that might be something that could be useful for you?

Drew~

 

[Abstract]

I agree with DMerish, wicked child.

The way I tend to approach things is to look if there support for something being safe and recommended for something like PTSD, and then watching how I personally react. I think doing anything slightly unconventional or with known risks is not wise without a lot of self knowledge and research. A lot of damage can happen if we are not careful.

Therisa, I am glad you have tried mindfulness before. I have found it very helpful.

 

[therisa]

Sadly, my mindfulness, is a tad rusty, at the moment. :)

 

[DMerish]

I tried MM years and years ago and couldn't (dropped out of the class) ~ Did some other things over the years, then took an eight week MM class about a year ago. Huge difference. Without learning the tools for MM last year, I don't know if I would have been able to keep functioning, go to work etc., after hearing about/dealing with what my DD (dear daughter) is going through.

 

[ms spock]

Guided mediatations, yoga nidra which is a type of guided meditation