Sensory Distraction

[sun seeker]

Okay guys, I need some ideas. I've gotten myself into what almost feels like a virtual reality in the world of recovered memories and need something to bring myself back. It feels like the world is a sinister place and I need to remember that there is goodness and safety in the present and connect to it through my senses. Only I can't think beyond opening my spice cabinet and smelling all the different spices, and that isn't helping a whole lot. I need some ideas for intense but safe sensory experiences.

Ideas anyone?

 

[Queen Boudica]

Warm shower? Bubble bath? Walk in a garden with lots of scented plants?

 

[sun seeker]

Maybe a cold shower (or bath - shower makes a mess).

Loud music is helping, but it's getting late so I turned it down.

Scented plants... hmm... it's getting a bit late in the season. Maybe herbs though.

 

[Queen Boudica]

Grind some coffee beans and make the coffee? Herbal tea.

 

[sun seeker]

Yes, strong smells/tastes are a good idea. I tried licking the coating off a wasabi pea... uggh. I can't stand wasabi, but it did help me come back.

I took a very hot bath, then very cold. That helped too. A sauna would be a good thing!

 

[Seasounds]

I might add somethings, that have helped me: really physically engaging and fun activities-like a form of exercise you like, e.g. walking, or feeling the breeze of your face, or building a fort from driftwood. Also, doing an activity with a safe person can be helpful, because through the engagement you get connected to another's experience, while you have your experience. Animals and kids have really brought me into the present.

 

[sun seeker]

Thanks Saetva. Yes, exercise will be helpful in this I think. I have a real shortage of people around to do things with unfortunately and that makes it easy to fall deep into this rabbit hole. Funny you should mention animals. Just yesterday I was thinking about horses for some reason. I've never had a relationship with them but I kept thinking about them and finally looked and found there is an equine therapy program in a town near here. It would be some way down the line before I would be able to get myself there if I decided to do this, but somehow it draws me. I'm keenly aware right now of the running horses on your avatar!

 

[Seasounds]

Oh, that sounds wonderful to move toward the equine therapy! I made a call about it this week; the location only serves Vets. Maybe I'll find an equine therapy for me, at some time, too!

I have a friend who is doing it, for the first time, this week (she lives far away from me).

 

[sun seeker]

the location only serves Vets

That looks typical from the little research I did. Around here is rural enough I think they would go out of business if they limited it that much. :-)