Happy Place

[Jimmy1]

There have been many posts on isolation, shutting down, and there have been posts by veterans not knowing what to do when they get wound up or have panic/anxiety attacks.

This is what I do.

My therapist told me once to build a happy/safe place in my mind. Somewhere I could go when times got tough.
It was hard to go there at first, but eventually I managed it, and eventually I have built a wonderful escape. It has changed a lot since I first built it too.

Think about this in your head. This was my first place.

The sun is shining. Its about 30 deg C/ 86 deg F. There is a nice cool breeze blowing off the ocean.
There is an expanse of soft white sand on your private beach and a group of rocks for you to fish from. A small river slows into the ocean at this point coming from the top of a mountain. The water in it is quite cool and heaps of estuary fish can be seen.

Nestled back in the start of the rain forest is your hut. Its a log cabin, it has a big veranda with two comfortable rocking chairs and a hammock and the whole hitching rail type railings. Inside the floor is covered with grass mats.
You have a large bed, custom made, bigger than king size and above that the roof is made of perspex so you can see the stars and moon on a good night.

That's as far as I got before changing locations.

My next place I built is private so only I can go there. I have shared it with my therapist and Margaret, but its private property.

 

[Ned]

Jimmy this sounds like a really useful technique. You said it was hard to go there at first, and that I'd agree with. My place would be a shack high in the Troodos Mountains, a stream of snow-melt within reach, and a view out to sunset over the Med. Nothing but the warm smell of pine and sage and mint, and the hooting of Scops owls. And a night sky so velvety-black and scattered with stars.
Did she give you any tips on how to get there easily? I could use that as an escape.

 

[Jimmy1]

You have to sit in a comfy chair upright, slow your breathing down (relaxation breathing). Clear your mind.
First think of those mountains and the forest. Then think of that stream. Then think of where you would build your shack. Do it little by little. If you practice 5 minute a day it is great.
Don't try laying down in bed. I usually wake up an hour later. lol.