Out of the Storm

The healing porch thread was started back in 2017 (https://cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=6910.0):

QuoteI 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.

Each part runs for 5 pages and then it's locked and a new part is started so it's easier to load and read.

Cup of tea, anyone? <fills kettle>

I'll take one, my fav is cinnamon apple.

Then I'm going to park myself on a sand dune by the ocean with a book, and maybe just lie in the sun for a bit.

Cinnamon apple coming up ☕️

I'll have one, green tea sounds really good today. I have a puzzle half done and I'll think I'll get cozy on the living room floor and finish it :)

One green tea ☕️

I'm in a rocking chair, listening to the sounds of the ocean.

Can I help with puzzle? Don't want to be alone this evening.

Is there a corner there for Little B?  She'd like to sit on the porch and blow some bubbles.

Tee - you can come here any time, I'm always do a puzzle with you or whatever. Maybe color or something.

Little B - there's a few bubble-blowing supplies in a basket here at the Porch, a few wands that make weird shaped bubbles and some special soap that makes HUGE bubbles!

I´d like a green tea peach mix, please.

And I´d love to help with that puzzle! I´ll bring my own too. It only has 16 pieces, but the picture is beautiful.

And later on, just before the sun goes down, I´d like to sit by the forest and watch the leaves move in the wind. You can join me if you´d like. There are wind chimes and hummingbird feeders and little baby squirrels.

I was doing an online meditation this morning and she said to picture a safe place. The healing porch popped into my head! There is a really big doll house with cool furniture. (No dolls, but someone can bring them if they want.) You can add wallpaper (even design it yourself), add objects, etc.

Little B, I see your bubbles and I love them!

There's a lot of pretty puzzles being put together here! It's a nice and cozy night. I'm listening to the sounds of nature on a summer night outside, they're very calming <3

I'll bring my little dollhouse my grandpa made me and my little dolls from I was a kid. I can share.   :hug:

Today I'm in my treehouse listening to music and drawing. Every once in a while a raven I've made friends with pokes her beak into my open window to check on me. Someone's dog is curled at my feet, napping. She twitches happily in her sleep, running freely in her dreams. It's a little cool this morning so I've got a tiny fire in my little pot bellied wood stove. It's peaceful and cozy and I'm alone, enjoying the solitude. The trees know I need to be shielded from people and they've covered the view into my windows with their branches.

Later I'll come down, after I feel more sociable, and make a bonfire on the beach. I'll watch the stars and the moon and feel renewed. I set up some extra chairs & blankets, and welcome company then.

I think little sunflower wants to spend some time on the beach today. It's sunny but she'll never get a sunburn, and the sand is perfect for making sandcastles. There are beautiful seashells wherever she can find them. I think I'll set up a cozy blanket and umbrella next to her and read a book. She really needs some playtime in a safe environment, running around on the beach all day will hopefully make her happy.

I needed to wander out here today -- as I was desperate for the peace that only exists here -- yet seems more real. Then I spotted something special going on  ... a 'little one' called Sunflower38 was frolicking aside the beach and feeling so content, totally being her happy self, like she hasn't been allowed to in so long. I hope her grown-up will be comforted in knowing she's had this carefree time.

So I found a stick and wrote some messages in the sand in a spot where I hope she sees them:

for Sunflower:
      :hug:   :woohoo:   :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:  :cloud9:

Then I left this note:
    Sunflower, or anyone who wants, I'm chopping wood for a shoreside campfire tonight. Please stop by; but only if you feel so inclined ... there's a tea caddy, cups and the like already on hand.

Sounds great Woodsgnome! I'll be dropping by. Thanks for the preparation you're doing, e.g. chopping wood. I'm not sure I'd have the energy tonight.

Thank you so much for the messages, little sunflower really appreciates them :hug:

A campfire sounds wonderful, I think we will join with some blankets and snacks :)

 :yeahthat:

Something I forgot ... there's a canoe (with a sail that can be rigged above it for large waters) and paddles sitting under the porch for anyone to use anytime. If in doubt, I also created a how-to video covering canoe basics.

What about life jackets? Isn't that what this whole place is -- one giant lifejacket!

A campfire? 🔥 I've got stuff to make s'mores!

S'mores sound great!! ❤️

I'll just sit by the fire.

Sunday has always been my cleaning day and I think the house needs a little cleaning, too. I think I'll spend the day sweeping, mopping, dusting, and whatever else needs done. :hoovering: Maybe later I'll open all the windows to let fresh air in, and drink some tea on the porch while the sun sets.

I'll give you a hand with the cleaning if that's OK  :hoovering:

Looking forward to the fire and seeing the stars and being with all you lovely, special people.

I couldn't sleep last night, so I came to the campfire. Several of you were there already, chatting quietly. I listened to the sound of your voices, although not really hearing, just letting the sound of the waves and your words be a lullaby to my ears. I watched as more and more stars showed themselves in the sky. I grew more tired and one of you allowed me to lie down and rest my head in your lap. Peace and safety.
E (seven-years-old)

Saw you there Notalone  :grouphug:  Tks for inviting me to join you around the fire Three Roses I really needed to feel the connection and care.   :hug: 

*hands Kizzie a s'more*

E you can rest on my lap anytime.  Needing some time around the fire tonight. :hug:

this sounds so lovely.  hoping there will be another fire tonite - well, yes there will be.  this place is magic.  i love fires on the beach.  going to the cabin just a few paces away on a lake, going to do some fishing at dusk.  there's room in the boat for anyone wanting to join.  the forest is getting ready for fall, a few leaves are already on the ground, and a fire in the fireplace. 

i'm bringing some cranberry bread to munch on, and fresh blackberries for snacks.  looking forward to some peace today and this evening.  i haven't been here for a while.  glad to be back.

I'll be by later to rest I have to finish work but look forward to the fire and company tonight. Can't wait to try the bread sounds lovely.  Need a reprieve from today.

I've never been fishing, but I'm willing to try.

I would love to go out in the boat with you San and just lay back and look at the sky while you and Snowdrop fish. 

I'm going to watch from the shore. Yell to me when you catch something.

Climbing a tree to sit myself for a while? :disappear:

I'm going to enjoy a cup of tea here - and look around, as I've often looked in and rarely sat a while - but today I'm going to join you and enjoy your company.
Hope  :)

Hi Hope. Good to see you here. Tea sounds good  :)

There seem to be a lot of lovely people here at the moment, so I'm going to make some mulled apple juice. There's plenty to go round for everybody.

Thanks snowdrop

I'm going to sit and watch the waves for a bit. I might move next to the fire later on.

It has been far too long since I have been here to visit. I think of this place but so rarely come here anymore. Today I want to come sit peacefully on the porch just offering a warm presence to anyone that needs it. I brought variations of soothing drinks and treats for anyone that wants any as well. For now I am taking in the sounds of the beach and the breeze in the trees that are off the other side of the porch. I will be reading but if anyone needs company I will be here  :hug:

Lovely to meet you on the healing porch again Elph, it's been a while  :hug:

i'm here, too, today.  more blackberries, but made into muffins this time.  enjoy.

just want to sit back in my rocking chair, a blanket of warm and cozy and calm.  eyes closed, but i can feel everyone's presence, and listen to anyone who's chatting.  it's delightful, just what i need.   :hug: :hug: :hug:

Thank you Kizzie  :hug:, it is good to see you here as well. It has been too long. RL has kind of taken over on my end. I enjoyed sitting here and will be back today for a bit as well. Just sitting and listening again, taking in the calming energy this place always has. I have missed all of you, and always do even when I am not here.

San, blackberry muffins are the best  :hug: Thank you for bringing some today. I am in the same need to just sit and enjoy today, but am here for anything you need. Lots of love dear friend  :hug: :hug:

Elpha, RL taking over sounds really good to me!! Isn't that what most of us are striving for? Just being kind of 'normal', not constantly triggered and struggling?  :Idunno: 

I do know you worked really hard to get where you are today  :applause: :applause: :applause:

Coming to sit with friends and try to find some calm this evening.

Blueberry, that made me smile sooooooo big. Thank you :bighug:  I think it is what we are striving for and I have gotten lucky to have it. Working on my Masters, not actively being in trauma therapy, and not having many triggers actively occurring in my life. I have worked really hard to get to this and am trying to enjoy every second of it. I know I will need to do more work on my trauma one day, but for now this is the stage in my life I am trying to just fully experience.

Thank you for that perspective sooo much  :hug:

Doesn't look like anyone has been here for awhile. I haven't been around in a while...
Find myself thinking of this porch so thought I would come.  Even if noone is here I'm still happy to be in this place.

So I had a rather rough patch of leftover emotional grief that haunted me last night. It set me to wandering out here and letting the good vibes of this place wash over my senses.

Alas, now it's time to leave the porch, but not before I consider the new BA degree I've earned, via following a curriculum of grief over so many things that I'll never have (especially love).

New BA degree? Okay -- the old one stands for Bitter Abandonment. Served its time, now to be swapped out for a new one called Begin Again.

Before I leave, one more round of warming by the fire; as into the flames, I toss my old BA degree.

Soon I'll trek on, leaving with a renewed sense of healing.

Inspirational woodsgnome! :yes:

Watches the flames. Well done, woodsgnome.

🔥🔥🔥 to the old! I searched my tablet for a frame for your new BA degree but couldn't find one, so you will just have to imagine one! You're awesome (and loved here).

In previous years I think we've had a Christmas / Yuletide / Winter celebration on the Healing Porch. For those of you who don't know the Healing Porch, it's a magic place. At one end of it, it can be snowing, while the rest of it is deliciously warm and cosy. Those who can't stand Christmas carols won't hear them even if there's a little group of us standing singing them. Our favourite wild animals and/or our pets might be present but they would never dream of attacking each other or us, for that matter.

There's a beach close by and there's often a fire on it tended by one of our mbrs. There's a tree-house on the lawn beside the porch. There can be any other healing thing or presence or activity anybody imagines. Feel free to drop by and add your description to how you find the porch and what you see, feel, hear, sense.

 :yeahthat:

The Healing Porch is that wonderful refuge we've always treasured but were scared we'd never find. Thanks for the reminder, Blueberry.

After my last time there, I took some time to chop some wood for those coming along; there's also a smaller pile for kindling. Feel free to light and gather by the warmth. Places like this are truly healing and "out of the storm".

What a lovely lovely healing porch..
I'm setting up a little art circle.. It has a candle in the middle with some woodland finds and wooden animal totems..
Doodling, painting and creating can happen or just come and hang out with love

it's new year's eve, and i'm here, in the cabin with a roaring fire. i can sit in my rocking chair, a lovely alice throw over me, hot chocolate by my side.  i can see everyone who's elsewhere here and enjoy watching them do or be.  anyone is welcome to join me as well. i'll be watching fireworks over the water at midnite, but they make no sound to anyone who's sensitive.  fireworks make me smile.   :fireworks:

i'm still struggling, feeling sad and lonely just now.  so many people and places gone, but i feel warm and welcome here.  there's a new year ahead and i also feel hopeful that something's about to change . . .

San, this is Hope. I am five. I would like to sit by you if it is okay. My friend bought me a new doll and you may hold her, if it will make you feel any better.

hi hope,

thanks so much for the company.  i'd love to share your doll and some space on my rocker - it's a big one so there's plenty of room.  we can enjoy some cocoa and a warm fire together, ok?  i'd like that.  and your new doll, too.  does it have a name?

Thanks, San. No name yet.

I have needed this for so long, though I did not know it.  Being new, I went exploring and I found this porch just tonight, good timing.  I'm not ready to be noticed just yet, so I go for a walk in the forest.
I pause to take in the beauty.  Watching the dark sky, the moon, smelling the rich earth, feeling the powerful trees pulsing  around me, I feel safe.  Listening to the murmurs from the direction of the porch, I know that I am not alone.  I am grateful.

juliaguarde,

I am glad you have found the healing porch. I hope you are enjoying your walk in the woods, taking in the peace and beauty of nature. Take your time. I'm glad you feel safe.

Apparently I still have motivation for something -- to be here, healing or just being; this is my only desire.

Here I find peace that can elude me even in my quiet and cozy home. Here the residue from my core wounds which follow me everywhere, can't find their way into a sanctuary as beautiful as the Healing Porch is.

Those core wounds which ripped my soul apart will never find me here, and my hyper-alert alarm can stay mute.

Sounds sappy, doesn't it? Umm ... if being free from harm with peace filling every sense again is sappy, cool -- I'm taking it, living it, being it, dancing with it, 'til my soul sings for joy like  never before.   

sounds beautiful to me, woodsgnome.