I told Roxie that I would try to write a post for today. It was more difficult than I imagined. The events of the last week, when we are already trying to deal with the pandemic are almost overwhelming. I sometimes wonder if it is possible to find moments of peace and even joy when the world around us is in such disarray? If you are like me, it can become all too easy to get sucked into the abyss- reading every terrible detail, watching and rewatching the horror of what is happening, and becoming almost overcome with fear and anxiety.
A few years ago I was lucky to find the most wonderful therapist named Jan. She helped me through a really tough time in my life. Here are some of the strategies that have helped me.
Be Good to Yourself.
At the end of every session she would give me one beautiful rose as a reminder that it is okay to find the things in life that make us happy. Even when life seems difficult it is okay to find moments of happiness. A bubble bath, candles, football, our gardens, writing our stories, a walk in the park- whatever works for you.
Find Your Special Place
When your whole body is reacting to fear or sorrow or stress, close your eyes and picture yourself in a place that brings you comfort. For me, it was Prince Edward Island. I can still close my eyes and see myself there- and I can feel my whole body relax and my fuzzy mind become calmer and clearer.
Breathe
Jan taught me a technique called Square Breathing or Box Breathing. It is really helpful when you get panicky.
Sitting upright, slowly exhale through your mouth, getting all the oxygen out of your lungs. Focus on this intention and be conscious of what you’re doing.
Step 1: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose to the count of four. In this step, count to four very slowly in your head. Feel the air fill your lungs, one section at a time, until your lungs are completely full and the air moves into your abdomen.
Step 2: Hold your Breath for a slow count of 4.
Step 3: Exhale through your mouth for the same slow count of four, expelling the air from your lungs and abdomen. Be conscious of the feeling of the air leaving your lungs.
Step 4: Hold your Breath for a slow count of 4.
You can repeat this sequence no more than 4 times. If you feel dizzy- stop.
Here is a good demonstration of the technique. Square Breathing
I hope all of you have strategies to help you get through each day. Roxie and Q are good at sharing posts that bring us moments of happiness. Those beautiful photographs of Cape Cod, the delicious goodies, the laughs. And the sense of community we have here on WTIOC. A place where we can share our fears and our sadness, a place where we can be heard, and a place where it is also okay to be happy. Even when the world around us is in a mess. I thank them both for keeping us going.
What are some of your moments of happiness?
Sending you love,
GJ
A Little Laugh:
A couple of months ago, Mike took apart the old ping pong table we would put out in the garden when the boys were here. He carried all the pieces upstairs to the attic and put it back together again. Then he bought a new net, new balls and new paddles. We have played nearly every day since then. It has kept us sane. Some days we laugh ourselves silly.
Sometimes Little Mo plops himself down in the middle of the table and we just play over him. Mike isn't really going to hit him.
Sometimes I manage to hit Mike right in the middle of his forehead with a ball- that brings about uproarious laughter.
I took a video to show the kids and just made it into a Youtube video to share with you.
Here is the link. https://youtu.be/_I34k5WAgWc
You need the link to view it.
Found today on Twitter. I love it.
