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Karen

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  • #35469
    Karen
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    I also chuckle to think that even by walking with mindfulness, or brushing my teeth with mindfulness, I have not only been able to lift depression, but I’ve been able to learn how to communicate, how to be creative, and even how to learn to love myself and my family. By brushing my teeth or walking! HA!

    #35468
    Karen
    Participant

    I have been struggling with depression and anxiety for about 25 years. Ugh! I have been on almost all anti-depressants and have been in therapy most of this time. I have been desperate and have looked for help and answers everywhere. Yes, I always resisted meditation. I never even understood mindfulness. All that therapy! All that medication! (I look back now and can hear people suggesting “Breathe” and “Meditate,” etc., but I wasn’t getting it! Because I wasn’t present!!) Then, a few years ago, I started to suffer from extreme pain all over my body. I felt that I had been beaten with a baseball bat or run over by a Semi. My emotional pain was expressed in my body.After a couple of years of tests and medical evaluations, it was diagnosed as Fibromyalgia and chronic pain. I had no way to ease the pain. Nothing worked for my depression and then nothing worked for my physical pain!

    About a year ago I picked up a book I had bought several years previous…..Jon Kabat-Zin’s “Full Catastrophe Living.” I finally got it. And, I am hear to loudly tell you, mindfulness is EXACTLY where it’s at.
    I am amazed at how simple it is, and how difficult it can be. For me. And, I can say, for me, being mindful is my Answer.
    I still resist mindfulness! But, like you said, pick a daily habit and do it with full attention. I am very excited about becoming more mindful. My present moment is full. My present moment is Life! Thank you for your work in this field.

    #35467
    Karen
    Participant

    And my goodness, excuse all the typos and grammar! My keyboard needs some serious cleaning! At any rate, I think the ideas of knowing it will pass and using your senses to get back to reality are relayed.

    #35466
    Karen
    Participant

    I have this feeling of detachment sometimes as well. I have figured out some interesting things about why it happens with me. And, don’t know it’s soooooo lonely and scary and eerie and weird and yucky. I never understood how it could be a defense issue because what I fear most is feeling lonely, weird, eerie and yucky….so I’d think my defense would do a bit better. However, it happens. There are two things that really help get me through these times. The first is the obvious fact that “this will pass.” I have found I tell someone I feel so weird and things are unreal, but I know it’s temporary. When I tell another that my state is temporary, I somehow really believe it. And, it is really true. I actually have learned that I can handle it because I know it’s going to pass. And, each time I stay present with it, and really experience the sensations (I describe it as being in a horror movie-like state.) and FEEL the scary unknown, then for whatever reason, it passes. The second thing I do is use one of my five senses and focus on it intensely. I stop whatever it is I’m doing, or not doing, and pick a sense. It’s very had to do when I’m in the detachment mode, but it’s doable. I usually pick hearing. I listen to all the sounds. Focus on them and when I start to drift, I try to focus on the sound or I pick another sense. Eat….and I mean really, really, really eat. Roll the food around in your mouth, feel the swallowing, and breath into the tummy.
    Now, I must remember my own words next time I’m feeling unreal! 🙂
    Best and Peace.

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