Any Suggestions For Things In My Safe Place?

[Salu]

Pillows, big soft fluffy pillows. A lot of them.

 

[Mercy]

What a great question. It really made me think. I have a memory box too but it is filled with visual and tactile things that represent happy memories. I can take my box into the closet with me. I found a tiny (3x4inch) stuffed arm chair and a lovely 'carpet' in a craft store in the dollhouse section. I used three plastic shot glasses with covers (party supply store) and filled one with little shells, (I love the sea),one with tiny buttons(running them through my fingers into my lap helps with deprivation memories).. In the box there are two lama finger puppets. An eastcoast Indian medicine bag(I am a small part Wampanog) with corn, stones and crystals, a little bell for joy, a tiny pinecone, three animal protectors- a flourite bear and a stone turtle and a tigers eye owl and a clear crystal frog-a spiral top of a shell to remind me that therapy is like riding a spiral in and down then up and out again and again. I can set up a small medicine circle in front of me if I need to. I have a little doll dressed historically like my home town. a couple of icons. The box has four glass sides and a glass top so I can see everything without needing to get them out.

Maybe since you love the outdoors you can collect things that you love to handle that will remind you of the good places you've been. Can you find a picture of the Milan dome, on the net maybe?

 

[wattle]

There's some really good ideas here, just a thought though maybe you could add in a small container with aromatic dried leaves and twigs etc to remind you of the outdoors. Sort of like pot puree(sp. sry) without the pretty petals. Or if space is a probalem in your closet maybe put the leaves and twigs into a mess bag and hang it.

 

[Booknerd]

My first day out of the behavioral hospital, we went to the beach. I got up early the next morning and stood just in the edge of the waves and took a picture of my feet. To symbolize a new beginning. I put it in a wooden box with the sand and shells that I collected that day. When I am having a bad time I get my box down and open it. This reminds me of where I was and my hope for the future. I like all the ideas, I might add more to my box. A safe place is a great idea. I think I need to make me one too.

 

[shari]

Sensory things help. For me tight bracelets keep me in the here and now. I had alot to begin with but now am making them. The act of selecting beads and stringing them and getting the right tension (HA HA HA) on my wrist helps.
My therapist swears by peppermint. I chew peppermint gum. The smell and the act of chewing helps.
Also, any smell you find appealing. I love cinnamon and spice. I have candles, air freshioners (sp?) that spray every 8 minutes etc.
I love soft things too. They help.
The weird thing about PTSD is that the emotional numbing can lead to sensory numbing. My hands literally feel dead when my emotions are. Getting disconnected from your body is just part of it. How wonderful you are doing things in your own home to feel safe and present. Let me know what works for you. I love suggestions!!