I had this realization today, that if someone has PTSD, and is walking around hyperaroused (as opposed to frozen in fear or avoidance), that energy inside might often--or eventually must--seek a target outside. It can go off on loved ones, or pets, or objects-or a "real" or imagined enemy. It can persist in the form of war...and it can fuel the war...any ongoing war with the outside world. If one doesn't have an enemy, one will be found. One might even become delusional and paranoid. In fact, I wonder if a hyper-aroused nervous system is the cause of many psychological and learning disorders, not to mention physical health issues.
I realized while thinking this that in war torn areas, how can we ever hope for peace if people aren't first and foremast treated for their Traumatic Stress Symptoms (in the case of war zones, it wouldn't be "post" traumatic stress, it would be ongoing stress, and is anyone in such an area unaffected by war trauma?).
I wonder if we could hold a world wide truce just for the purpose of healing trauma in as many people as possible, what would happen then? Just lay down all the weapons and hate and terror and focus on healing each individual of their inner terror. Would we then have a need to find an external enemy?
Somehow, this realization gave me more compassion and understanding for those places and peoples in the world full of hostility, it seemed to create an understanding in me that makes space for loving the hurt in everyone, even those that are committing violence outside of themselves.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Becoming a Realist
Is the glass half full or half empty?
It is a glass with some liquid in it, neither empty nor full.
It is a glass with some liquid in it, neither empty nor full.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Still Learning This Simple Lesson
I can't put my life on hold anymore. Regardless of how much others need me, and that my kids, especially my oldest with the health problems, need lots of attention and care, I have to find the place/space/time for me.
Otherwise my roots run dry and I have nothing to give.
I've been running on empty for a while, and now I am remembering to bloom once again, to give my gifts, so it is time to water those roots, to get back to the roots of who I am.
How many times do I have to learn this lesson before I don't forget it again?
Well, however many it takes, I guess.
And I'll do it with love and gratitude to the best of my ability, in spite of the circumstances. Because otherwise I wither up.
Otherwise my roots run dry and I have nothing to give.
I've been running on empty for a while, and now I am remembering to bloom once again, to give my gifts, so it is time to water those roots, to get back to the roots of who I am.
How many times do I have to learn this lesson before I don't forget it again?
Well, however many it takes, I guess.
And I'll do it with love and gratitude to the best of my ability, in spite of the circumstances. Because otherwise I wither up.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Speaking of Catch-Up, More FYI
More "FYI" stuff--for my information and yours: Anticipation--can you wait to try out these interesting uses for ketchup? Or do you prefer catsup or catchup? I'm gonna try it out on my copper kick plate.
What about a used coffee-grounds mud mask? I'm ready to try one.
What about a used coffee-grounds mud mask? I'm ready to try one.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Catching Up
Honestly I am not sure if I should scrap this blog altogether and start a new one or try to resurrect this one. It's not that I haven't had anything to say or no inspiration lately, it's just that the family crisis that ensued last Summer pretty much has consumed all my energy and time, and I haven't gotten back into the habit of blogging.
I thought I'd see if it was missed -by me if no one else- and it has been, so I am going to attempt a resuscitation of sorts.
To make a long story short, what happened last Summer was a result of my then 16 year old son's drug and alcohol abuse. Namely, he took a dose or a hit of DMT, the most powerful psychedelic drug known, and shortly after the euphoria of that dwindled he ended up hospitalized for psychosis.
Apparently drug use, whether prolonged or short and intense, can trigger mental illness or worsen existing symptoms. Duh. Mess with your brain chemistry and what do you expect? No doubt his liking for psychedelics also contributed to his condition...push the limits of your reality and it just might implode or collapse around you. If he had chosen Meth or Crack or some other drug the results would have been just as devastating, no doubt, only different.
At any rate, the last 10 months or so has been a mostly exhausting round about of investigating and trying treatments, driving him to therapy and doctors appointments, and research on my part in trying to understand just what the heck is going on in my son's world and how we can best help him. Anyone who has had a loved one with either (and often both) a mental illness or substance abuse issues no doubt can relate to the sheer amount of energy you can pour at the thing and still feel completely powerless and unable to make a difference. You could waste your whole life trying to rescue someone.
We've all heard we can only change ourselves, are ultimately only responsible for ourselves, and so yes, I have been working hard at changing whatever it is in my part of this relationship that can be or might need healing. It's been hard work, and my work for the better part of a year.
Warmly,
Jen
I thought I'd see if it was missed -by me if no one else- and it has been, so I am going to attempt a resuscitation of sorts.
To make a long story short, what happened last Summer was a result of my then 16 year old son's drug and alcohol abuse. Namely, he took a dose or a hit of DMT, the most powerful psychedelic drug known, and shortly after the euphoria of that dwindled he ended up hospitalized for psychosis.
Apparently drug use, whether prolonged or short and intense, can trigger mental illness or worsen existing symptoms. Duh. Mess with your brain chemistry and what do you expect? No doubt his liking for psychedelics also contributed to his condition...push the limits of your reality and it just might implode or collapse around you. If he had chosen Meth or Crack or some other drug the results would have been just as devastating, no doubt, only different.
At any rate, the last 10 months or so has been a mostly exhausting round about of investigating and trying treatments, driving him to therapy and doctors appointments, and research on my part in trying to understand just what the heck is going on in my son's world and how we can best help him. Anyone who has had a loved one with either (and often both) a mental illness or substance abuse issues no doubt can relate to the sheer amount of energy you can pour at the thing and still feel completely powerless and unable to make a difference. You could waste your whole life trying to rescue someone.
We've all heard we can only change ourselves, are ultimately only responsible for ourselves, and so yes, I have been working hard at changing whatever it is in my part of this relationship that can be or might need healing. It's been hard work, and my work for the better part of a year.
Warmly,
Jen
Friday, March 13, 2009
FYI Support Numbers
| Hard to Find Support Number: Napster Phone Support  Napster phone support is available to Napster subscription members Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST at 800.839.4210. | | |
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My New Word Submission
Waiche, (pronounced way-tch) verb:
A soft, rhythmic human sound made during a short waiting period, especially while waiting for a computer to respond during a service transaction between two or more people, to fill 'dead air' space. The sound can take various forms, but often includes soft sounds like 'tchuh tchuh tchuh" and usually comes in groups of three "beats".
Example:
"I listened on the other end while the customer service representative waiched away. "One moment please while I access your account...tchu tchu tchu...alright, here is your account information, Mrs.Jones"
A soft, rhythmic human sound made during a short waiting period, especially while waiting for a computer to respond during a service transaction between two or more people, to fill 'dead air' space. The sound can take various forms, but often includes soft sounds like 'tchuh tchuh tchuh" and usually comes in groups of three "beats".
Example:
"I listened on the other end while the customer service representative waiched away. "One moment please while I access your account...tchu tchu tchu...alright, here is your account information, Mrs.Jones"
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