This is a continuation of the very popular "Healing Porch" topic started by Wife #2. Here is what she envisioned:
I would like to make this the official home of the healing porch. This is an idea several of us have come up with and want to maintain.
What we already know about the healing porch - first, it is imaginary. But, based on some real facts. It resembles the photo in my profile picture (an actual house I wish I could buy... ahh, if wishes were houses, I'd own it today).
Second, the porch wraps all the way around the house. Those who enjoy sun can sit in the un-roofed section, those who don't so much can even enjoy the screened in section. There are chairs, tables, swings, sofas, easy chairs.
Third, there is a beach and ocean just off the one side of the house. This ocean has crystal blue water, the sand never gets too hot to walk on.
Off another side of the porch is a middle/large concrete area for chalk expression and art. Hopscotch is popular over here.
Forest and lawn are represented off the other two porch sides. This is a magical healing porch, so it can shift as is needed for your healing time with us.
We have board games, bug lights, blankets of healing, peace, comfort, acceptance, rest and many other necessary emotions. They are scattered about the porch and you are welcome to wrap yourself in whichever blank you need. Fear not, this is a magical porch - if everyone needs acceptance, there will be enough to go around.
Refreshing beverages are always available - sorry, folks - one thing I feel strongly about, no alcohol. It blocks healing. Otherwise, all drinks are just waiting, cold or hot as is best for that beverage.
Snacks and light meals are also all around - fruit bowls, vegetable trays. Any vegan can be as well fed as the omnivores (including me) on this porch. If food is part of your challenge, there will always be a 'food-free' side to remove that as an issue during your time on the healing porch.
We've just had the suggestion that my puppies join us on the porch. I think it's a wonderful idea. In fact, if anyone has a pet, please bring it! We have shelving to hold aquariums, window jambs that would hold 20 pound cats, places for puppies to run and fetch, and whatever your pet wants or needs. Because this is a magical porch, messes clean themselves and no pet would DREAM of harming another pet.
All suggestions are welcome!! This is a place for all of us. It started as a mental image to help some of us remember to relax, breathe and enjoy each others' support. It's a great place to get acquainted with your inner child - everyone is safe here. There are games and friends to play them with. There are journals that nobody would ever dream of reading. There are phones and friends waiting on the other end to hear from you.
It is a place of healing. And community (I hear hopscotch is THE game this summer). Welcome.
See also Part 1 (http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/forum/index.php?topic=6910.0), Part 2 (http://cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=8269.0), and Part 3 (http://cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=9583.0).
It's the middle of the night here but sleep is alluding me.
I'm going to sit and read here for a bit and hopefully drift off once again.
Tonight I'm going to sit on a bean bag, snuggle under a blanket and appreciate the thunder and lightning.
I'm going to sit over here this eve and brought my dog Merlin. He's ever so friendly and never barks. I've brought some cushions, we'll sit on the floor together him half curled on my lap and just hear the sound of the rain pitter patter on the porch and seeing it drip onto the wooden steps.
we had a dog named merlin, an airdale.
i just need to sit with a heating pad on my back, rock, read, just be with everyone here. so tired, too.
Im here to find solace among people who can accept my broken heart and broken mind. I am having such a hard time that I just want to sit by the water and breathe.
Here's a beautiful shade tree next to a quiet pond you can use. I'll even bring you a lawn chair you can stretch out on.
I'm bringing a hammock to swing on. I've had a long day in front of the computer doing work-for-pay. I'm also bringing my most comfy pillow and a soft afghan. Night all . . .
:zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
What a good idea - im sitting here for a while overlooking the ocean with the sun warming me and reclining on the lounge with my feet up.
Coming here to rest and maybe continue sitting with Sanmagic. I am feeling emotionally overloaded today. I have come down from the worst of my ef but it leaves me drained to the point I feel it in every inch of my body and my soul is just heavy.
I will come hang out in a chair that is big and fluffy with a blanket of safety and reassurance, sipping on some tea then maybe allowing myself to drift off onto the shoulder of ems so I might get some much needed sleep with no nightmares
Will be here again today. Had a rough go st it over night, so I just feel drained and know that I will be gone from my house for more than twelve hours.
I think I will go down by the water and do some gentle meditative yoga. Anyone is welcome to join, it is for all sorts and I am decent at teaching it. One day I hope that is my job, or part of it. Anyways I will be down there listening to the coming and going of the water, and the birds this morning
staying here the rest of the day. putter in the garden - fresh baby tomatoes to snack on for everyone. just gonna do some physical stuff, weed a little, sit and watch the plants grow, smell the fresh earth. maybe some light reading, definitely a snooze or 3.
That sounds like a great day. Thank you for the tomatos, the little ones fresh from the garden are my favorite.
I think I will be here today as well. A day out in nataure would be great. I would love to stroll through the garden and wee if there are any sweet peppers ready and some sweet peas. They make for wonderful snacks.
Then I will take my yoga mat out under some trees and do a gentle restorative flow. One that honors myself and the beautiful nature that is helping root me in the present
Once again I'm here in the middle of the night. Listening to some music and looking up at the stars till I can find sleep again.
Breathing and trying to calm myself this evening. Hoping the healing porch helps me heal this evening.
Hi deep blue
I will come sit nearby for a while just to give u some silent company, hope that's ok,
wb
Thanks wattlebird
It's been such a rough several days and your company helps. Thanks for sitting with me :hug:
Going to go for a walk by the water, and do some meditative yoga today. I need grounded but have no time to truly do that until after 8:30 tonight which is about 9 and a half hours from now. The porch is a perfect place today, as I am feeling a bit raw from my session tonight.
I turned on the tea kettle for warm drinks if anyone wants some today. I also have all the mugs we could ever need in the perfect size and shape for each of us. :hug:
Going to rest here today. My mind just needs a peaceful place to be. This morning I have a chair and blanket on the porch, just observing everything around me. My cup of tea never gets cold and I have a supply of endless books to read
Hiding out here again. Think I am going to go walk among the trees and enjoy some alone time. I need the peace that it will bring. Maybe later I will come back up to the porch and enjoy some tea
Not in a horrible state, but I just found out that husband is not getting a pay raise next year (he is a federal government employee and no one is getting a raise next year). So I'm coming here with an afghan and a hammock to rest and plot my next move.
I have an extra afghan for anyone who wants it.
I'm here for the rest of the night. My feet hurt from a long day. I'm relaxing in a heated chair to loosen up my sore muscles and back.
Deep Blue, bringing you some warm water with Epsom salts to soak your feet in.
Thanks alliematt. I'm here again this evening. I'm in a recliner and listening to some soft music tonight
That sounds good. :-)
Today is my birthday and I'm wanting some company. My husband is out with friends.
I have cake and ice cream here if anyone would like any??? I'd really like some company. :grouphug:
Hi Deep Blue,
Happy Birthday :cheer: :cake: :bighug:
Hope :)
For Deep Blue
:cheer: :cheer: :wave:
:applause: :applause: :applause:
:party: :bighug:
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[/quote]
:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
:fireworks:
happy birthday!
Happy birthday deep blue
:cheer: :cheer:
I will have some cake yummo
a big happy birthday hug to you, deep blue. a little late, sorry. hope it went well. :bighug:
i've got angel food cake and wild blackberries to share. i'm here for the day, maybe more. just gonna watch tennis, sit and relax, just be with all of you. you're good medicine.
Thanks everyone!
San I love watching tennis ;D
My birthday became better when I heard from all of you! :grouphug:
Thanks for everything you guys
I can't sleep tonight, so I thought I would come relax here for a while, maybe watch the stars in the sky and see if there's any leftover cake
There is plenty of cake here wattlebird. I'll make you a plate and sit with you while you relax.
Coming back with a hammock, chamomile tea, a virtual iPod and some mindfulness recordings. Feel sad.
I'm here today sitting in the sun watching the water, I love a water view, think I will just sit
I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm here.
:wave:
Going to be here at least for the morning. I don't really have anything to offer for once but will gently cuddle with any animals that might want it. I have warm tea and a blanket full of reassurance and peace. I need both right now.
I think I found the perfect chair on the porch where I can rock gently and just observe while I try to rest. Taking in. The beautiful sunshine and sounds of the water and trees.
Mind if I sit with you, quietly? Could use the comfort of another soul who understands this pain.
I welcome your company, glad to have another soul that understands today :hug:
Is it okay if I sit amongst you but have my headphones and music on?
I'm going to sit on the floor on a big dog bed with rugs and blankets over me.
To sit, listen, feel safe and pleasant with the company of other people who I know understand. And look out. Look out on nature and on hope.
I haven't been here for a long time! Time I came again. I'll sit for a little while but then I'm likely to get up and wander barefoot down to the shore. Maybe stop to smell the roses on the way. Ground myself using all senses.
I will be here today too, I am welcome to company just not crazy amounts of noise/movement today. I will start my morning with a walk by the shore and maybe some gentle restorative yoga. Then I think I am coming back to the porch to do some art. I brought lots of supplies if anyone would like to join me. Personally I will be using chalk pastels, I love the hands on feel of them and just really enjoy blending all the colors together to make beautiful pieces
I can do some art with you, Elpha. I'll be using watercolours though. But I think most of the time I'll be curled up in oversized poofy pillow with a woolen blanket.
Hope you enjoy the watercolors, Sceal. I am here if you need anything.
Although I will be off sittingby some trees today, will come back to thenporch eventually. For now being out in nature is what I need.
Hey Elpha and Sceal. Can I come hangout too?
I'm just gonna sit here if you don't mind. I just want to listen to you both draw and try to take a nap where I feel safe.
I think I wont be doing any art after all.
But you're more than welcome to hang Deep Blue.
I'm spending time on the porch, sans bringing muffins yummo, I'm going to meditate for a while and clear my head,
bringing some lemonade and hot cocoa, just want to sit and rock and snooze the day away amongst you all. lovely and peaceful.
Coming here to rest today. I just kind of ache inside today, with all that I am processing it is understandble. So I am going to walk doen by the water, and then come up to the porch to read or draw. I will also have deck of crads with me if anyone wants some company
:hug:
I just need to sit and calm myself, maybe just sit in a rocking chair in the sun and feel the warmth soothing me.
Back again can't sleep, I'll try sitting in the rocker for a while
I'm making myself a shift-made tent of duvet covers, blankets and lots of pillows. And I'm going to sit inside here, in my protective bubble, tent-fort thing and read a book.
Wow, this is a great idea. I'm smiling and finding comfort just reading about it. For now I'll say hello to everyone out here, and find myself a blanket of comfort and sip some tea. Am I allowed to listen to music here?
🎵🎵🎵🎼🎶👍
Middle of the night and I'm here again. I just want to sleep... resting here in hopes that I can get restored for tomorrow. I have my protective blanket with me. In here it can keep the nightmares at bay.
I'm going to relax on the porch for a while, i just need an escape from reality for a while to help me deal
The quilts and blankets have all been fluffed and the pantry stocked with teas, coffee, and whatever other beverages you may want. Candles and matches are there, too. I'll be in my treehouse, coloring. :wave:
Thanks for making sure everything is here Three Roses :hug: I will be here with a few of those blankets and some peppermint hot cocoa. I have a pretty big bubble today, but might slowly warm up to quiet company. Otherwise I will just be resting on the porch taking in the quiet healing energy this place gives off.
I won't bother your bubble today Elpha, but I'm not too far away.
I've been bottling too long and I just want the reassurance that things will get back to ok.
I'm reading a book and curled up near the fire pit.
DB, things are going to work out! I have confidence. I'm here on the HP today too, painting and crafting and listening to very loud, energetic music (but with the magic of this place, no one else can hear my music unless they like it, too ;)).
Thank you Deep Blue, it is a comfort to know you are close but also easier for it to be that distance for now. Also glad to know you are here Three Roses, although I am going to use the magic of this place to keep the quiet going for myself for a bit longer. I do love that you are crafting with music on, that is wonderful
I'm here again I'm going to meditate clear my head join in
Thanks TR,
I'll hang with you for a bit while you are painting. I've got my headphones in and am listening to some calmer music. Just being around you will hopefully help :hug:
I am going to come out of my bubble for a little while and join in on the crafting. I could go for some music and kind company. It is finally safe to be around people, even here it has taken me most of the day to feel like that is okay. So I think I will do some painting, I haven't in a really long time. I brought over some tea to sip on while I work if anyone else wants anything. :hug:
*smiles as she is joined *
Feel free to change the music. :bigwink:
Thanks for letting me join Three Roses. :hug: No need to change your music :)
I'm bringing a table, covering it with a blanket, and crawling inside.
Will be here all day probably. I am just emotionally drained so the energy here will help.
I am going to do some yoga down by the water, and then come back up to the porch for some tea and reading. I always have a deck of cards and crafting stuff if anyone wants or needs company today. I have some Panic at the Disco on in the background and some Kelly Clarkson mixed in (I am obsessed with both their albums and trying to decide which concert I want to go to, they are within in a week of each other) anyways, feel free to mute it for yourself if you don't like them or it is too loud. The porch is a wonderfully magical place that will help you hear or not hear whatever you need.
I always liked beautiful disaster by Kelly clarkson. You know that one?
I do know that one by heart. It is one of my favorite ones to sing, but I haven't listened to it in ages, sounds like a plan for tonight. I have been binge listening to her newest album and the untouched version of them on youtube. If you haven't heard them I definitely suggested it.
Going to be here today, there is a lot of things that are chaotic in my life today and I only got like 3 and half hours of sleep last night. I am going to really channel into some grounding yoga out by the water today, my gut instinct is doing a strong warrior sequence and then do some meditation. Just going to quiet my mind and send some positive energy into the universe. As always others are welcome, and I can help with a more gentle beginner friendly practice as well. Otherwise I will just be doing my thing down by the beach. Love to you all :hug:
I wandered over here today, needing a change of scenery from the often self-inflicted pathos I tend to succumb to. So here I am, by the beach, with a stack of firewood ready to ward off the evening chill.
I love the music of the waves, the intensity of the starlight, the shimmering moon when it visits. And for peaceful ambiance, just in case, I brought my fiddle with. I need to unwind in and get back to the basic poetry of life again.
I really need some time on the porch- I just want some peace, some relaxation a cure for this headache and a nice warm place in the sun or near a fire would be nice
Coming here to rest today, not feeling particularly well. I will make myself a cup of tea with honey in it and find a nice comfy chair. I have blanket and a book, my two favorites when I am not feeling well. I have also opened a beautiful puzzle to be worked on. It will give me something a little more hands on to focus on today. Everyone is welcome to work on it if it is helpful to you, even if I am not here.
Sure I started a new puzzle today as well its a Michelangelo painting, I am joining u on the porch for some peace
Awesome, Wattlebird. I have one irl that I am almost finished with, it is a full grey scale puzzle (which is both a welcome challenge and a complete pain) that is of a beautiful fair in a snowy forest.
Yes me too a 4000 piece, started today, it's such a soothing past time, enjoy
4000 pieces is so many, that is an impressive feat. The one I have is only 1500 pieces. Granted I only work on it every couple of days after work for a bit. I would love to try something that large one day.
Yes first one I've attempted this big usually I stick to smaller ones so I don't get sick of the same old picture, but I've always loved Michelangelo enormously and couldn't pass on this one, it will take months
Anyways sorry I've hijacked the porch
Not a hijack at all. The porch is here to talk about things that help us relax. If that is a beautiful puzzle, I imagine that is okay.
Doing a puzzle sounds lovely! I'd have to clear and then clean the floor IRL to do one :aaauuugh: but doing one on the porch :) :thumbup:
I love that the puzzle appealed to more than just me! Glad to have the company today :hug: ;D
Back on the porch tonight I just can't sleep, I'm in need of healing porch time to settle the mess in my head atm
Coming her to rest today. Yesterday was a lot, so I brought peppermint tea and a warm blanket full of reassurance and protection. I also have a book and some candles. Think I am just going to sit quietly and take in the peacefulness of the porch in one of my favorite chairs today.
i'm here for the rest of the day. i'd love to join in on a puzzle - very calming and soothing. plus, i just want to smile with and at everyone here. i'm smiling now just thinking about it. got some raspberry tea yesterday and cinnamon rolls to share if anyone's interested. feeling full of love for all of you right now.
San I just started a new puzzle irl last night, it is a Doctor Who puzzle that my roommates family never managed to complete so of course I am determined. I would love to sit and work on one with you today. What kind of puzzles do you like? Also raspberry tea and cinnamon rolls are wonderful. I have some blueberries if anyone likes them on top or next to their cinnamon rolls (I know it is a weird quirk of mine :whistling:)
I'm here working on my puzzle irl, it's a great way to spend time relaxing, enjoy your puzzles too
I am going to have little me stay here today, I have created her a space that is just hers in my own head but she needs to not just always reside there for now. So I think the porch will be perfect, she can play with the dogs and any younger kittens. Will let her draw in chalk and play some hopscotch here today. I will come and check on her every little bit but she is very friendly as long as you don't sneak up on her and scare her. If anyone needs company or warm cookies she has a constant supply. It is calming to know she can be in this space, and safe :hug:
Hi elphanigh
I will keep an eye out for her since I'm here - she will be safe
Thank you so much Waterbird :hug: I am glad to know she will be safe
I am going to try to be here today with younger me. I find that I have a hard time being around her and I know that isn't fair to her. She needs love and reassurance from me even if I am not always prepared to give it. So I will try to sit with her on the porch today and do things she and I can both truly enjoy. I have my peppermint coffee, and she can have her favorite juice this morning. Think I will spend some time reading to her and then showing her how to play fetch with some of the dogs that reside on the porch.
Thank you all for allowing her the space here :hug:
taking today, maybe tomorrow, to just rest here. popcorn and orange juice and my rocker. blanket of peace of mind.
back again. so many emotions in too few days. no sleep tonite. i must find some laughter or i'll sink beneath this wave of sadness and anger of what might have been, what never was. dang, i'm tired.
Joke for you San,
Why was the scarecrow given an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field!!
I know it's not hilarious but sending you love :hug:
Just visiting to leave some fresh made treats for everyone. There are macarons. Lemon poppy seed bread, coffee, and pumpkin rolls :hug: Plenty for everyone to enjoy.
loved your joke, db. good medicine.
yummy, el. pumpkin rolls and lemon anything. thanks.
still tired.
Glad you enjoy them. I will come here and rest when I can. Tomorrow is my travel back day, so definitely Monday. Miss you all :grouphug:
Will be here resting today with a good book, and some tea with honey. Day five of the sickness irl, so I feel pretty wiped out. Hoping it will start to pass soon.
For anyone that enjoys Halloween, I made cookies in the shape of witch hats and pumpkins. There is also witches brew that magically tastes like whatever your heart (taste buds? lol) desires in that moment. If anyone thinks of anything else let me know. Oh, I also have a puzzle out on the table to be worked on. This one has all the fall colors and lots of pumpkins hiding about. Feeling festive today I guess.
Anyways here's to some rest and recuperation today (just wish I could be doing so irl)
Hanging out on the porch tonight, I'm cooking brownies yum
Way past page 5 and didn't catch this - oops! Closing, locking and starting Part 5.