peaceful

[~justme~]

what have you seen, read, heard, or  looked at and found to be the most peaceful? did it help with your anxiety or depression?

[tinam7]

For me it is meditation or Jon Kabat-Zinn's mindfulness. It comes from within.

[Cheesus]

Yup mindfulness meditation. Reminds you that there is always peace we're just not aware of it.

[tinam7]

Thank you for the affirmation of meditation. So I'm emboldened to go on. First re my infatuation with Qigong and then CBT. There is some overlapping of Tai Chi and Qigong; but Qigong, in my view, has it over Tai Chi. A book of Tai Chi I have really illustrates what I think are Qigong moves. I also have a Qigong book that talks about standing and walking meditation which are new dimensions. Till now I was only sitting.

Exercise and meditation are aspects of CBT, as are healthy diet, an end to stress, worrying, the past, the future. There are numerous other parts of CBT, especially as my right, imaginative brain, is helping me to formulate my own CBT. Thus far there is Courage, there are dimensions of a strong, confident, loving, self-respecting Self, and Acceptance. The rest are still in the cooker in the brain. Altogether there are more moments of peace for me than I could have ever imagined, many thanks to my right side of the brain. Might add I am mighty drunk right now with the overpowering fragrance of a blooming, purple hyacinth. 

[~justme~]

amazing.. definitely worth me trying. thank you

[tinam7]

The problem is that there is "no free lunch" that is, our goals require effort, commitment, and discipline. For some popping pills is the answer. That requires no effort and maybe that's why the pharmas are a huge industry as are illicit drugs. Now I don't mean to disparage meds. They are necessary in some instances. That's for doctors. But some of us are not that keen on visiting doctors or pharmacies and for us there is a great deal we can do for ourselves.

My goal to be calm and stress free is motivated by a need to keep blood pressure as even as possible. A pleasant fringe benefit is being at peace, at living in the moment with the possibility of addressing a host of ills, if I feel the need (phobias, depression, etc.) I'm embarking on this adventure as I once dealt with an encroaching weight issue.

About 10 years ago I had a good time dreaming up my own diet program "CountDown" which is still working, even now. I intend to do the same with CBT. For now I'm calling this project "Transformation" because I believe CBT can be transforming. For me it starts with Courage. It takes courage to make a conscious decision to change our outlook, our thinking, our conditioning, our proclivities, our security blankets, our very identities in some cases. It takes courage to make a commitment which also means work, dedication, patience. The rewards are worth all the time and efforts. Every morning I start with a commitment to stick to my goals. It is my mantra during morning meditation, one of several daily mantras.

[floridaguy65]

The problem is that there is "no free lunch" that is, our goals require effort, commitment, and discipline. For some popping pills is the answer. That requires no effort and maybe that's why the pharmas are a huge industry as are illicit drugs. Now I don't mean to disparage meds. They are necessary in some instances. That's for doctors. But some of us are not that keen on visiting doctors or pharmacies and for us there is a great deal we can do for ourselves.

It takes courage to make a conscious decision to change our outlook, our thinking, our conditioning, our proclivities, our security blankets, our very identities in some cases. It takes courage to make a commitment which also means work, dedication, patience. The rewards are worth all the time and efforts. Every morning I start with a commitment to stick to my goals. It is my mantra during morning meditation, one of several daily mantras.

AMEN, Sista'!:) Nice post, T:)

[debjame]

   I find browsing art galleries and taking long walks to be very helpful when dealing with anxiety or stress.

[tinam7]

Thank you, FG. You make me smile. I've read your many outstanding posts and so know we think alike. It is possible to wake up in the morning and think, "I have another day. How will I live it?" And be happy to be alive. This touches on Gratitude, another aspect of CBT. For now, since debjame mentioned walking, I'll skip to exercise. How can I capture the way exercise, in its many and various forms, helps us to feel peace and harmony?

I came to exercise the year after 9/11. Along with countless others I was so shaken, felt so low. The following year my daughter suggested yoga and I took a class. That was the start of it. The rest, as the saying goes, is history. It is a huge part of tending to ourself physically, mentally, even emotionally. And I actually consider meditation as part of exercise by breathing consciously, regularly, slowly. It is conditioning the mind to be still, empty, tranquil, working to foster that inner peace. It does not happen over night. It builds on itself slowly, gradually, inexorably.

[apolline]

I find watching videos of dolphins and whales peaceful and they help, I don't know why. It might be strange but I find it really relaxing and peaceful!

[degeiso]

I  have been trying some relaxation/hypnosis videos on youtube and some of those help a bit..

[NightStar]

I love trees. I love walking among them, feeling their bark and wondering how many years they took to grow. Some like oaks are mighty and strong. I wish I was a mighty oak. Sometimes I go to a nearby forest and sit and listen the sound of the woodland. Not during winter of course as it's too cold. But springtime when the leaves are growing back and summertime when squirrels, always inquisitive, come along to check me out. I find woodland a safe place because its in the grounds of a friend of mine. I feel so at peace among all the greeness and leafy shade. It somehow lifts me and my anxiety goes away for a few precious minutes.  :)