Fantastic way of dealing with PTSD, from one certified by the VA as off the charts. I very often have to shut down input and rational contemplation completely. The only way to survive sometimes..
May I suggest the philosophy of Stoicism.. it really helps, but as a two-year novice I can't yet turn the battle with only the only the Gre…
Fantastic way of dealing with PTSD, from one certified by the VA as off the charts. I very often have to shut down input and rational contemplation completely. The only way to survive sometimes..
May I suggest the philosophy of Stoicism.. it really helps, but as a two-year novice I can't yet turn the battle with only the only the Greeks at my side!
No alcohol, no weed -- this battle is too important to fight while impaired. Nothing to shield the heart from being overwhelmed by current and incipient human suffering at the hands of those who have traded their souls for power.
Keith, you are so right!! When I am not shut down, reading is the way to travel through time and space, a narcotic to get OUT OF HERE for a little while, constructively making me a more enlightened person when I get back. Currently at book book 17 of the 21 book Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters, a wonderful read about a 12th century English monk who solves murders, with a lot of middle English history thrown in. I read non fiction as well, such as Kill Switch by Adam Jentleson, the history of the filibuster. All this while fighting for democracy alongside the good guys, until the next shut down.... I do it for my beloved family, for the people who do not understand what is happening, and yes, even for the haters who have joined movement conservative cult.
I am currently looking for The Discoverers, thanks for the tip!
Actively playing and engaging with grandchildren. It gets me out of my head. However, I’m keeping a list of all the great reading recommendations. Thanks to LFAA it has grown exponentially.
Non sequitur: You may already know that Ellis Peters is the pseudonym for Edith Mary Pargeter, and I loved her Brother Cadfael Chronicles, and enjoyed the BBC series as well. 👍
A bit of Ellis Peters/Edith Pargeter trivia for you: Pargeter had no children to whom to bequeath the--to her initially unexpected--fruits of her labors, the royalties of which continue to flow with alacrity. So she made the Shropshire Records and Research Centre, in her beloved home town of Shrewsbury and quite near the actual remains of the monastery of SS Peter and Paul (it is now a parish church), the beneficiary, because that is where she did a lot of her research for her books. I am happy to report that the SRRC is one of the best county archives in which to do research in the UK. It was always a good facility (Shropshire is a smallish and wealthy county) but after the Ellis Peters endowment, it went from good to extraordinary. Its education outreach is also fantastic. Another Shrewsbury tidbit: it was the locale for the establishment of the first Unitarian church (across the street from the remains of another historic monastery-turned-parish church) with Joseph Priestly as its minister. I have spent many happy hours in Shrewsbury and Shropshire over the years . . .
Fantastic! Very grateful for your tidbits Linda. She had everything in the Chronicles. English history and culture, monastic shenanigans and polity, a whole lot of biology and early medicine, justice, all draped on plot line that I quit trying to solve and just enjoy. When Patrick Tull had to quit narrating before his death I mourned his loss. I couldn't listen to the other narrators, so I circled back and started over again. Eventually I started buying the Kindle versions to finish the series. Can't get started again! Not yet.
Recently read "The Premonition" by Michael Lewis. Not only is it true and relevant but it was an actual page turner, maddening and thrilling all at the same time. Like reading Vindman's book, we need to be reminded that behind the scenes and off the front pages, TVs, and social media that there are brilliant, practical, brave, Americans working hard to protect us from the worst of us. Which takes me to Biden. I think this is his moment. He knows this. I think because he is not a smooth talker or a gazzillionaire many people (particularly Republicans)under estimate his strength and intelligence. Joe is on top this - not watching TV all day about himself - not concerned about his re-electability. I'm not worried about him doing the right thing. Slow and methodical. Highly experienced. I'm sleeping better today than I did during Trump despite my over whelming concerns about the future, if we don't get active on climate change and beat back the white supremacists and Texas Taliban. Right must be might. The means must justify the ends. We can not continue to fool ourselves. We know pornography when we see it, we know a lie when we hear one, and we know we need big changes to the way we have been governing ourselves. Lately I've been wondering, what would happen if we got rid of States entirely?
Totally agree about Biden. It was heartbreaking to read the reactions from the families of the 13 soldiers who were killed in the Afghan withdrawal and their embrace of the authenticity offered by TFG. It suggested to me, even giving credit for the enormous grief they bear, a possible deeper “politicization in the military ranks” issue. I hope I’m very wrong.
Another way to feel better about all of this? Get into the solution by addressing the root cause of our challenges. Be active in our communities to prevent the root cause of how we ended up in this time when racism is behind every power
move and almost all of us are coping with some form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Join us at www.pacesconnection.com to learn more about preventing and healing trauma, building resilience. Our free series on Historical Trauma in America details how our nation, built on the senseless slaughter of Native Americans and the kidnapping of Africans and their subsequent torture, murder, and being worked to death or to the point of death — among other atrocities committed by our forefathers — created the path to today’s challenges of a pandemic disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor, and environmental racism contributing to mankind’s greed destroying our amazing planet earth. Trauma — visited generation upon generation — makes us sicker, less stable, more divided, weaker, and more vulnerable.
We are a community of communities helping cross-sector initiatives based on the science of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PACEs) to solve our most intractable problems in ways that don’t retraumatize already traumatized people.
Join us! It’s free. Check out the communities tab at the top of the home page and see if there’s a group in your area. If not, start one. We are helping communities track and report on progress encouraging anti-racism, the creation of safe, stable nurturing environments at home and at school, shutting down the kindergarten-to-prison pipeline and more. Our next Historical Trauma in America installment is September 16 when we will focus on historical trauma in the Midwest.
In a moment or two, I will post the link to register. Thank you all. Join us in your community or state.
This is action you can take to help make things better in your community, state, world. Violence, the pursuit of power, and trauma got us here.
Creating safe, stable, nurturing environments for our precious children, shared power, and using shared power to prevent and heal trauma; build resilience in individuals, families and communities will lead us toward a nation where all can thrive.
Carey, I did check it out, and the work of your organization is impressive. This series is just too close to my abiding weakness, is all. Thanks for what you do, and wishing for successful outcomes in many people who suffer with this trauma. 🙏
I must say that for me (and only myself, not a broadside aimed at your excellent work), I no protection against the trauma of First American's, or Mexicans killed for land, or humans imported for slavery.
I was taught in my VA PTSD intervention that PTSD is, in part, a loss of immunity to these kinds of stress. They taught us the survival techniques which have kept me alive for my family and congregations. I am so glad that your program works for people, even some veterans, but not all of us can do it. Just being alive in these times, and fighting back helps up to a point, is all I can safely handle. Please tread very carefully with veterans who have higher levels of PTSD, and thank you for all your efforts Carey. I am following your link, in case I misunderstood you. My wife was part Cherokee, my VA instructor is part Sioux, I have a deep connection with Black Americans, and I live in Georgia, where an advanced First People nation was wiped out. I have the history....
Thank you Gus. I grew up in Georgia, home to McIntosh and Cherokee and yes, they were such advanced nations. We do tread lightly as a resource for information on all manner of resources. With regard to veterans, my heart is full of sadness and hope, knowing the daily estimate of the number of veterans who commit suicide. Is astounding and heartbreaking and I saw the effects in family and friends. I honor your wisdom and concerns, Gus. Thank you for being open to checking out the work we do. Peace.
My Mom was a huge Brother Cadfield fan. I should, perhaps, dig in and enjoy, since it seems to be a good way out of your head.
I have (I believe) dealt with most of my law enforcement traumas in pretty effective ways, although there are times "things" come to visit. I usually chase them with active participation in music (although I really can't play my tuba at 0300) or word games.
Ally, my mom was a fan, too. I like reading books she enjoyed; it brings her back to me.
For me, exercise helps a lot - my horses, of course, but yoga is an amazing tool to reduce anxiety. Guided meditation sends me straight to sleep. I think I miss the point of it, but at least I can sleep!
Yoga and I do not get along well. (There is a cartoon of the Tin Man in a yoga class; everyone has their mat and a bottle of water. He is standing on his mat with his can of oil and says "This is Bull***t". It is me.)
I have listened to Guided Imagery CD's since going through my cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2006 and subsequent surgeries since. I currently listen to one on "Stress Hardiness and Optimization" just about every night; the last two tracks are on deep relaxation and healthful sleep. Works like a charm.
Oh, Ally, as I’m working to regain strength, I’m finding I now hate yoga. I popped something in my rib cage a few weeks ago during yoga and have been too afraid to get back to it. I’m the Tin Man now, too! That describes perfectly my stiffness and my creakiness!
I have the flexibility of overcooked pasta and love yoga. And unlike conventional Western-style workouts with lots of jumping up and down, I find it wonderfully stress-reducing.
Wish it was on a T-shirt. That's me, without the oil!
Hard to do even wheelchair yoga....the instructor is always reversed since we're both facing each other, and my brain can't transpose my body's response to the correct side. By the time I get it right, she is on to the next pose. I really want a Tin Man T-shirt...
I had the chance to go and hear her give a seminar (my wife is a psychologist). I was working graveyard shift, got off at 6, and we drove two hours to Portland. I was questioning the judgement of going to a lecture seminar by the woman who put me to sleep at night. Her "imagery" voice is MUCH different than her speaking voice, and I was engaged the entire time (although I did sleep all the way home...)
I read the Brother Cadfael books years ago, and loved them. Thanks for the reminder, it may be time for a re-read! I personally find that right now, with all that’s been going on the last five years and including my own personal griefs, I can’t manage anything too new or too challenging. During my cancer treatment and recovery this year, I’ve had Harry Potter, Louise Penny, and Outlander on repeat but maybe it’s time to move on - to another old friend.
William Kent Krueger tells the stories of contemporary Native Americans and their conflicts with neighboring white townspeople to save their sacred forests from the local logging industry. Purgatory Ridge is set in northern Minnesota at Iron Lake near the Ojibwe reservation. The interaction of Natives with Anglos reminds me of Hillerman's stories; in fact, I just learned Krueger was greatly influenced by Hillerman.
I've just about finished reading Anne Perry's "Charlotte & Thomas Pitt" series in order; had read many of them out of order. Set in 1880s/1890s London, the series of mystery stories develops the lives of the main characters over those decades, adding new important continuing characters at various points, and the author includes excellent detailed descriptions of the everyday lives of people across the demographic spectrum. https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/charlotte-thomas-pitt/ Not sure what I'll do next, perhaps go back and begin with Brother Cadfael from the beginning...
I found "The Discoverers" available for online purchase at Abe books for $5.00 ($1+$4 for shipping). I've checked out the ebook version from my library.
Fantastic way of dealing with PTSD, from one certified by the VA as off the charts. I very often have to shut down input and rational contemplation completely. The only way to survive sometimes..
May I suggest the philosophy of Stoicism.. it really helps, but as a two-year novice I can't yet turn the battle with only the only the Greeks at my side!
No alcohol, no weed -- this battle is too important to fight while impaired. Nothing to shield the heart from being overwhelmed by current and incipient human suffering at the hands of those who have traded their souls for power.
Keith, you are so right!! When I am not shut down, reading is the way to travel through time and space, a narcotic to get OUT OF HERE for a little while, constructively making me a more enlightened person when I get back. Currently at book book 17 of the 21 book Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters, a wonderful read about a 12th century English monk who solves murders, with a lot of middle English history thrown in. I read non fiction as well, such as Kill Switch by Adam Jentleson, the history of the filibuster. All this while fighting for democracy alongside the good guys, until the next shut down.... I do it for my beloved family, for the people who do not understand what is happening, and yes, even for the haters who have joined movement conservative cult.
I am currently looking for The Discoverers, thanks for the tip!
We simply MUST survive, to fight on.
And humor! And Trees! And Critters! I fight for them, because they give me life....
Did I mention humor?
Two nuns and a lion tamer walk into a bar.....
Actively playing and engaging with grandchildren. It gets me out of my head. However, I’m keeping a list of all the great reading recommendations. Thanks to LFAA it has grown exponentially.
Ah, grandkids and a bizarre sense of humor add zest and sparkle—an essential life boat in these turbulent seas!
Gus, I imagine you’re a much in demand dinner guest. What fun it would be to hang out with you. Thanks
Non sequitur: You may already know that Ellis Peters is the pseudonym for Edith Mary Pargeter, and I loved her Brother Cadfael Chronicles, and enjoyed the BBC series as well. 👍
A bit of Ellis Peters/Edith Pargeter trivia for you: Pargeter had no children to whom to bequeath the--to her initially unexpected--fruits of her labors, the royalties of which continue to flow with alacrity. So she made the Shropshire Records and Research Centre, in her beloved home town of Shrewsbury and quite near the actual remains of the monastery of SS Peter and Paul (it is now a parish church), the beneficiary, because that is where she did a lot of her research for her books. I am happy to report that the SRRC is one of the best county archives in which to do research in the UK. It was always a good facility (Shropshire is a smallish and wealthy county) but after the Ellis Peters endowment, it went from good to extraordinary. Its education outreach is also fantastic. Another Shrewsbury tidbit: it was the locale for the establishment of the first Unitarian church (across the street from the remains of another historic monastery-turned-parish church) with Joseph Priestly as its minister. I have spent many happy hours in Shrewsbury and Shropshire over the years . . .
Love your history bits and pieces. Thank you, Linda. By your description, I can picture the place.
Thanks for this, Linda.
Fantastic! Very grateful for your tidbits Linda. She had everything in the Chronicles. English history and culture, monastic shenanigans and polity, a whole lot of biology and early medicine, justice, all draped on plot line that I quit trying to solve and just enjoy. When Patrick Tull had to quit narrating before his death I mourned his loss. I couldn't listen to the other narrators, so I circled back and started over again. Eventually I started buying the Kindle versions to finish the series. Can't get started again! Not yet.
Yes, I know, but you I don't think you can shop on Amazon Kindle using her real name. Didn't catch the TV series. Someday....
Nice to connect with another fan, Just Janice! Edith was my wife's name, and Edith the writer is a genius! Haven't predicted who dunnit so far....
Recently read "The Premonition" by Michael Lewis. Not only is it true and relevant but it was an actual page turner, maddening and thrilling all at the same time. Like reading Vindman's book, we need to be reminded that behind the scenes and off the front pages, TVs, and social media that there are brilliant, practical, brave, Americans working hard to protect us from the worst of us. Which takes me to Biden. I think this is his moment. He knows this. I think because he is not a smooth talker or a gazzillionaire many people (particularly Republicans)under estimate his strength and intelligence. Joe is on top this - not watching TV all day about himself - not concerned about his re-electability. I'm not worried about him doing the right thing. Slow and methodical. Highly experienced. I'm sleeping better today than I did during Trump despite my over whelming concerns about the future, if we don't get active on climate change and beat back the white supremacists and Texas Taliban. Right must be might. The means must justify the ends. We can not continue to fool ourselves. We know pornography when we see it, we know a lie when we hear one, and we know we need big changes to the way we have been governing ourselves. Lately I've been wondering, what would happen if we got rid of States entirely?
Totally agree about Biden. It was heartbreaking to read the reactions from the families of the 13 soldiers who were killed in the Afghan withdrawal and their embrace of the authenticity offered by TFG. It suggested to me, even giving credit for the enormous grief they bear, a possible deeper “politicization in the military ranks” issue. I hope I’m very wrong.
Another way to feel better about all of this? Get into the solution by addressing the root cause of our challenges. Be active in our communities to prevent the root cause of how we ended up in this time when racism is behind every power
move and almost all of us are coping with some form of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Join us at www.pacesconnection.com to learn more about preventing and healing trauma, building resilience. Our free series on Historical Trauma in America details how our nation, built on the senseless slaughter of Native Americans and the kidnapping of Africans and their subsequent torture, murder, and being worked to death or to the point of death — among other atrocities committed by our forefathers — created the path to today’s challenges of a pandemic disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor, and environmental racism contributing to mankind’s greed destroying our amazing planet earth. Trauma — visited generation upon generation — makes us sicker, less stable, more divided, weaker, and more vulnerable.
We are a community of communities helping cross-sector initiatives based on the science of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PACEs) to solve our most intractable problems in ways that don’t retraumatize already traumatized people.
Join us! It’s free. Check out the communities tab at the top of the home page and see if there’s a group in your area. If not, start one. We are helping communities track and report on progress encouraging anti-racism, the creation of safe, stable nurturing environments at home and at school, shutting down the kindergarten-to-prison pipeline and more. Our next Historical Trauma in America installment is September 16 when we will focus on historical trauma in the Midwest.
In a moment or two, I will post the link to register. Thank you all. Join us in your community or state.
This is action you can take to help make things better in your community, state, world. Violence, the pursuit of power, and trauma got us here.
Creating safe, stable, nurturing environments for our precious children, shared power, and using shared power to prevent and heal trauma; build resilience in individuals, families and communities will lead us toward a nation where all can thrive.
https://www.pacesconnection.com/blog/516426228449495499
Carey, I did check it out, and the work of your organization is impressive. This series is just too close to my abiding weakness, is all. Thanks for what you do, and wishing for successful outcomes in many people who suffer with this trauma. 🙏
I must say that for me (and only myself, not a broadside aimed at your excellent work), I no protection against the trauma of First American's, or Mexicans killed for land, or humans imported for slavery.
I was taught in my VA PTSD intervention that PTSD is, in part, a loss of immunity to these kinds of stress. They taught us the survival techniques which have kept me alive for my family and congregations. I am so glad that your program works for people, even some veterans, but not all of us can do it. Just being alive in these times, and fighting back helps up to a point, is all I can safely handle. Please tread very carefully with veterans who have higher levels of PTSD, and thank you for all your efforts Carey. I am following your link, in case I misunderstood you. My wife was part Cherokee, my VA instructor is part Sioux, I have a deep connection with Black Americans, and I live in Georgia, where an advanced First People nation was wiped out. I have the history....
Thank you Gus. I grew up in Georgia, home to McIntosh and Cherokee and yes, they were such advanced nations. We do tread lightly as a resource for information on all manner of resources. With regard to veterans, my heart is full of sadness and hope, knowing the daily estimate of the number of veterans who commit suicide. Is astounding and heartbreaking and I saw the effects in family and friends. I honor your wisdom and concerns, Gus. Thank you for being open to checking out the work we do. Peace.
My Mom was a huge Brother Cadfield fan. I should, perhaps, dig in and enjoy, since it seems to be a good way out of your head.
I have (I believe) dealt with most of my law enforcement traumas in pretty effective ways, although there are times "things" come to visit. I usually chase them with active participation in music (although I really can't play my tuba at 0300) or word games.
Ally, my mom was a fan, too. I like reading books she enjoyed; it brings her back to me.
For me, exercise helps a lot - my horses, of course, but yoga is an amazing tool to reduce anxiety. Guided meditation sends me straight to sleep. I think I miss the point of it, but at least I can sleep!
Yoga and I do not get along well. (There is a cartoon of the Tin Man in a yoga class; everyone has their mat and a bottle of water. He is standing on his mat with his can of oil and says "This is Bull***t". It is me.)
I have listened to Guided Imagery CD's since going through my cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2006 and subsequent surgeries since. I currently listen to one on "Stress Hardiness and Optimization" just about every night; the last two tracks are on deep relaxation and healthful sleep. Works like a charm.
Oh, Ally, as I’m working to regain strength, I’m finding I now hate yoga. I popped something in my rib cage a few weeks ago during yoga and have been too afraid to get back to it. I’m the Tin Man now, too! That describes perfectly my stiffness and my creakiness!
I have the flexibility of overcooked pasta and love yoga. And unlike conventional Western-style workouts with lots of jumping up and down, I find it wonderfully stress-reducing.
... breath centered whole body/being movement, one breath at a time ... works for me ...
Tai Chi might help. It is slower and gentler. There are also "chair yoga" poses that might be more conducive to your healing.
... and/or Chi Kung/QiGong ... even slower and gentler than T'ai Chi ...
Good idea! I’ve done some standing yoga. For me, the horses are the best medicine :)
That Tin Man cartoon is priceless!
Wish it was on a T-shirt. That's me, without the oil!
Hard to do even wheelchair yoga....the instructor is always reversed since we're both facing each other, and my brain can't transpose my body's response to the correct side. By the time I get it right, she is on to the next pose. I really want a Tin Man T-shirt...
I would deeply appreciate a link to your stress hardiness resource.
https://www.healthjourneys.com/audio-library?campaignid=1662563948&adgroupid=65846917164&adid=330134078398&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm9yJBhDTARIsABKIcGaB9dCOz-ASQyFIQwxF0QPNCFkx7ejG0i1D21Tmui0i48LGFyQvLuIaAoLEEALw_wcB
I had the chance to go and hear her give a seminar (my wife is a psychologist). I was working graveyard shift, got off at 6, and we drove two hours to Portland. I was questioning the judgement of going to a lecture seminar by the woman who put me to sleep at night. Her "imagery" voice is MUCH different than her speaking voice, and I was engaged the entire time (although I did sleep all the way home...)
They also have had really good results with PTSD in vets
I read the Brother Cadfael books years ago, and loved them. Thanks for the reminder, it may be time for a re-read! I personally find that right now, with all that’s been going on the last five years and including my own personal griefs, I can’t manage anything too new or too challenging. During my cancer treatment and recovery this year, I’ve had Harry Potter, Louise Penny, and Outlander on repeat but maybe it’s time to move on - to another old friend.
Not a bad idea. Tony Hillerman was my chemo companion.
William Kent Krueger tells the stories of contemporary Native Americans and their conflicts with neighboring white townspeople to save their sacred forests from the local logging industry. Purgatory Ridge is set in northern Minnesota at Iron Lake near the Ojibwe reservation. The interaction of Natives with Anglos reminds me of Hillerman's stories; in fact, I just learned Krueger was greatly influenced by Hillerman.
And I just learned that Longmire is coming back for another season, 10 episodes, I believe, starting Nov. 21. : )
Thanks, I will look into him.
I recommend his books highly! He's both very knowledgeable and extremely respectful of the Navajo (Dine') culture and beliefs.
I’ve never read any of his books! I’ll put them on my list. Anything that got you through chemo is worth a look! Thanks.
I've just about finished reading Anne Perry's "Charlotte & Thomas Pitt" series in order; had read many of them out of order. Set in 1880s/1890s London, the series of mystery stories develops the lives of the main characters over those decades, adding new important continuing characters at various points, and the author includes excellent detailed descriptions of the everyday lives of people across the demographic spectrum. https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/charlotte-thomas-pitt/ Not sure what I'll do next, perhaps go back and begin with Brother Cadfael from the beginning...
I think they are even better the second time around. Go for it!
Alex Vindman’s book, Here Right Matters, is also excellent.
Just finished it. He's not the most eloquent writer, but his story is amazing.
I found "The Discoverers" available for online purchase at Abe books for $5.00 ($1+$4 for shipping). I've checked out the ebook version from my library.
Thanks Haydon!
You're welcome.