[Myzen]

Hi folks,

I was wondering how we find our peacefulness each day.

I find a lot of peace in the arts. It's a well known strategy I think.

For me, classical music, painting, poetry, a good novel, all help to stabilise me and give me a sense of belonging in the world.

I particularly like American composers, Samuel Barber and Copland, and they can bring real peace into me, even when I'm a bit stretched, but I like almost all composers. I listen to classical radio stations most days. For me, talk shows can be too conflictual and I prefer the quieter music while I'm writing.

Also, looking around Cathedrals can be very calming. We have some lovely Cathedral here in the UK, and we take trips out to see them, and just be in the quietness (I don't have a particular religion, but I'm interested in them all).

I think that being around a beautiful piece of art, or a lovely building, or listening to a deeply calming piece of music, is like being around a peaceful person. It's as good as it gets.

How do other folks find peace? Do you relate to art the way I do, or do you have other strategies?

Good thoughts, M



PS - As you know I had a tough time with my Dad, but when he knew he was dying he was just a little bit more open hearted with me. I suggested that he listened to classical music, and you know, he did that. He listened to it so much that my Mum got fed up hearing it, and started complaining. He had nothing in the world to hang on to, his few interests had turned to dust for him, and the music really seemed to help him through those last months.

[Sabrina]

How wonderful that your Dad enjoyed something as peaceful as classical music.

I cannot think of anything more hauntingly beauitiful than The Bach Choir.

I must be honest, that in the midst of my severe anxiety, I am usually quite unable to grasp onto what I would find so peaceful at other times. Those things being whatever good novel I am reading, a walk in a green park or forest (I have to drive half a day to get to a forest though), and my Sarah Brightman collection. Listening to her always brings me to a very peaceful place.

Yes, art in whatever form, is so very soothing.

Thanks for posting this Myzen.

[Myzen]

Hi Sabrina,

It would be simplistic to think that doing peaceful things can take away severe anxiety in the short term, because it just can't.

However, we know that meditating and breathing does help for most people (including me), and the other quiet pleasures are still there when we come back from our hard place.

In a strange way, I found that having an anxiety disorder has made me more aware of the peacefulness in the world, when I am able to connect with it. It's not all bad, even with the illness.

Cheers, M

[praxis]

I also find art and nature soothing, but I seem to resist it just when I need it most. I find myself drawn to music that matches my mood, rather than music that can lift my spirit. I'm trying to learn meditation and proper breathing techniques, but I get jumpy and irritated when I try.

[Sabrina]

Oh my Praxis - "I get jumpy and irritated when I try" - now that is me!!

[praxis]

You too? How about that whole "living in the moment" thing. My mind wanders to the past or the future. I think I will try doing simple math problems in my head. The theory is you have to concentrate enough to crowd random thoughts out of your head, but not enough to cause stress. It's worth a try.

[Sabrina]

I can TRY living in the moment - can't promise the results though.
As for math problems -- I need my fingers so I guess that one won't work for me.

I find concentrating on crowding the thoughts out stresses me. Well, you said theory right?

My head is too full and too stressed - too much of the time.

Hmmm - back to the art that I need to use to de-stress!!

[Myzen]

Folks,

There is something important here. The 'jumpy and irritated' thing is the anxiety not wanting you to get control of your life back. It is always like that IMHO, and we just have to go through the edgy bit to find some peace. OK, I know this is only my own view but I have found that facing the pain is aways best.

Hope this isn't too contentious.

Cheers, M

[pegasus]

Coping strats for stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD.

We all have our different ways of coping, to make the psychological pain easier to bare.

For me it's-

Being aware of what triggers it off, so I can make it easier to cope with.

Slowing the breathing down.

Self hypnosis, relaxation, listening to a tape as I go through the process.

Listening to music, that is not associated with the past.

Watching TV programmes of animals, gardening programs, (non-confrontational)

Writing a story or poem.

Drawing or painting.

Sitting in a church- very peaceful.

Visualization of a safe-place, and looking at 'safe-place' art pictures helps too.

Just a few that I use. Hope they help you too.

Those are some great tips, Pegasus! Thanks for sharing.

Hugs,
Sujin

[Myzen]

Hi pegasus,

Yes, I use most of those strategies. I particularly like the 'music not associated with the past'. I've been doing that for years, even before I knew that it was a strategy.

Good tips.

Cheers, M

[Estee1]

When I can get the energy I love to sing. It makes me feel good about myself cos I can can sing well. At least it is something that I can do. But I have lost interest in many things. What the heck, I'm going to go sing some songs now.