A One-minute Vacation From Ptsd...

[PioneerSon]

It is a fact... most of my PTSD symptoms have been with me in varying degrees for most of the last 40 years... and probably since I was an infant and lived in... well, what I lived in. I can't change the past. I can't predict the future. I can't change other people. All I can do is take care of myself... right here... right now.

This last weekend I was with my wife and we were remembering why we fell in love with each other in the first place. It occurred to me that just like we take a vacation from our daily routine, doing something completely out of the ordinary to refresh, restore, and come back to our lives more rested and focused, I wondered if maybe I could do the same with my nemesis... PTSD.

So I created a little vacation for myself... and it only took one minute of my time. The amazing thing is that I actually breathed easier and felt less confused than before my little vacation... it actually worked!

So I'd like to share it with all my new friends at the PTSD Forum...

A ONE-MINUTE VACATION FROM PTSD

Picture this...

After climbing for hours, we found ourselves sitting on a ledge, nestled in a mossy cliff, high above the valley floor. We seemed dwarfed by the clear blue skies and the snow topped Rockies. A robin flew by and rested on a rock near us, singing a melodious description of the majesty of nature.

We looked down into the valley below and see the chimney of a cabin in the trees... thin waifs of smoke billow from the fireplace, as suddenly we feel peace. For this moment, in this hour, we are at peace.

The haunting sounds of a distant native flute seems to ride on the warm, Springtime breeze, ever so gently resting on our ears as we close our eyes and soak in the warmth of the sun and the sounds of Spring in the forest.

We breath deeply as we shut out all the challenges, all the unanswered questions and just rest here on our ledge with our friends. Once again we breathe deeply and we know... right here... right now... all is well.

Just breathe...........

And there you have it my new friends of this forum...

A One-Minute Vacation From PTSD.

Be well... and keep smiling... :)

 

[rainy_daze]

I can't change the past. I can't predict the future. I can't change other people. All I can do is take care of myself... right here... right now.

How true. That made me smile. Your story makes me feel warm. Thanks PioneerSon.

 

[saffy]

So I created a little vacation for myself

Hi Pioneerson

I totally understand where you are in your vacation.

I also for years have suffered and just could not shift this perpetual thought process I had about myself and the world.

I read a book called practising the power of now and this, similar to you, has taught me how to sit in the moment and meditate on something positive and quiet.

I asked myself, after sitting in this 'vocational space' I was completely free of inner noise. My head was empty and quiet and peaceful. It felt great. I realised in those moments that I was fine, nothing was hurting me, nothing was making me anxious and I was still sat there happy. Nothing could affect me. I felt like a weight had lifted off my shoulders.

I learnt that this was the quietness and peace I wanted all the time in the present moment and realised that all my inner conflict, anxiety and fear was through my inner speak. All based on the past and the future. In most cases when I came back to the present moment I realised I was fine and I could control what happened and what I said next. It gave me a sense of freedom and personal strength.

When in that moment I can think more clearly about how I feel. I could rationalise what was happening better and make better decisions about what to do.

It is a true sense of freedom from PTSD.

Good topic. :)

Best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[PioneerSon]

Thank you, Saffy and Rainy_Daze, for your kind response. Learning to live this moment in peace is still my greatest challenge and most rewarding experience in my healing.

Peace and Harmony... :)

 

[MoodElevator]

This story brought about a similar calm that I experience from reading a koan, meditating, or playing an instrument. Thank you !

Unfortunately when I NEED to take a vacation instead of attempting to reach this calm more often than not I just get drunk and eat chicken wings.

 

[Hashi]

Your imagery is very beautiful. I think any kind of visualisation or meditation is like a vacation from everything. You've reminded me that I need to do it more often. :)