Grounding 101

[BloomInWinter]

@NovemberStar , I understand.

This was how it was for me during the first two years after my diagnosis. I had to work hard to make my present be filled with people, places, and activities I enjoy. Repeatedly. As long as it took. It's not easy, but the only way for me to detach the traumas of the past were to actively take baby steps every day to make my actual present so different by comparison that eventually my system learned the difference.

By making the best memories I can of each day, I finally have strung together enough 'happy moments' that my brain does have some mental space to rest in when the past intrudes.

 

[BananaSockMuffins]

@Mercy Well this weekend after my EMDR session it brought up a lot of anger, it was so bad I couldn't stand to be in my own skin. So I took a mug that I had accidentally broken the handle off earlier in the week, went into the garage and smashed that sucker to bits. I felt much better after that and I didn't end up snapping at my family.

I tend to like making a pillow and blanket nest and hide in there when I'm having a panic attack. It makes me feel safe and the weight of my big, fluffy blanket on top of me helps to calm me down.

 

[BloomInWinter]

I have found some new grounding items that are comforting to me.

I carry around a heart-shaped moonstone which my friends have held in their hands. I hold it and remind myself I am not alone. I also have been using some essential oils in my art studio so I can put a drop on a cotton ball and lay it near my desk at work. The smell reminds me of my sunny, happy room.

I started a drum circle, so now I drum rhythms on my legs when I need to distract myself. I also have been doing a lot of meditation and now I can use those skills when I need to. I thought this stuff was strange before but it has really began working for me.

It doesn't take me long to ground myself out of an anxious state usually anymore. It's been a long haul but I'm so glad I've kept working on it. My life is reflecting my true self, and I trust myself to keep myself safe wherever I go now instead of always being alert for any triggering. That was such an exhausting way to live.

 

[Tinyflame]

trust myself to keep myself safe wherever I go now instead of always being alert for any triggering. That was such an exhausting way to live.

That is so wonderful @BloomInWinter ! :hug: :hug: :tup:

My life is reflecting my true self

And a beautiful self that is. :) :inlove: :hug:

 

[BloomInWinter]

Aw, thanks my dear (((((Junebug)))). I can't believe how far I've come. It's great to take a look back and remind myself where I was.

 

[Mercy]

This is such good news, BloominWinter. You have indeed made a lot of progress. Congratulations!

 

[Mercy]

Mercy, I am so sorry the word triggers you. Your definitions were the first ones that ran through my...

Thank you so much for your clarifying post. I am actually better with grounding by using techniques I learned with a EMDR therapist.

 

[Dolphin Lady]

This is very helpful to a newbie like me! I didnt really learn any grounding techniques with my Therapist when I had EMDR (finished it a few weeks ago) we only did calm place but that is too hard when you need something immediately. I am just looking around to find ways to calm my thoughts and intense feelings and emotions so this is really helpul thank you.