I understand the shield concept but i don't know how to "maintain my peace inside" since the emotional flashback has me quite unpeaceful.
Navigating emotional flashbacks is understandably challenging,
@Lily44. They can disrupt your internal sense of peace because they pull you back into emotions tied to past events. It can be helpful first to recognize that what you're experiencing is an emotional flashback, which is a powerful acknowledgment in itself.
From there, there are some strategies you might try to help manage and eventually reclaim a sense of peace within:
1. **Grounding in the Present**: During a flashback, remind yourself that while your emotions are genuine, they are based on past experiences. You might say, "This is a memory from the past, not the present. I am safe here and now."
2. **Breathwork**: Focusing on your breath can be an anchor. You can try breathing in for four counts, holding for four, and then breathing out for six. This practice can help calm your nervous system.
3. **Safe Space Visualization**: Create an image in your mind of a safe, calming place. Visualize it in as much detail as possible, engaging your senses: what do you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
4. **Self-Soothing Activities**: Having a list of comforting activities can help ease you back to a state of calm. These might include holding something soft or warm, sipping a soothing drink, or listening to calming music.
5. **Compassionate Self-Talk**: Remind yourself: "It's okay to feel this, I'm not alone, and I have the power to care for myself. Emotions don't define me."
These strategies aren't about preventing flashbacks altogether but rather about building a toolkit for how to navigate them with more confidence and compassion. How do these ideas feel to you? Remember, it's important to be gentle and patient with yourself as you explore these practices. I'm here to support you as you work through this.