A bipolar tdoc writes about getting healthy moods . . . also . . . good surroundings
 

Hi,


http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/11...ref=rss_health

A UK neurosurgeon was dx'd w/ bipolar when she was 28. Now she is a tdoc and off meds.

Here's something that sounds useful:

I'm still working on that. Tdoc wants me to find a place within my own home that is MY place -- kind of like Isis's thread "Wouldn't it be Lovely?" http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread107786.html
Tdoc has talking about that for a while and wants me to think about it some more for next month. I think I am supposed to find a spot that is mine and that I can use for relaxation / thinking / breathing.

Also
I'm working on the own best friend part.

And occassionally I think about nature -- but it does not come naturally (:cool:). I have to work on that.

Do any of you have surroundings that are good for your moods?

I googled for pictures of quiet rooms / quiet spaces and didn't find anything that seemed quiet for me. :confused:

I have no idea what I would put in my quiet room. I'm so out of touch with myself. I'd have to hire someone to do that job for me. :(

M.

I find it comforting to lie on my guest bed and pet my cats. it is very quiet and peaceful and a comfortable bed and the cats are so rewarding, one of them is very loving so she is my favorite, so I lavish attention upon her.
That bed room is a combination, office storage area, guest bed, queen size, I have many pictures on the walls that I love, it is a catch all room.
even though the room is very cluttered the actual bed is free from stuff so I can lie there in peace. I find my own bed very comforting and spend as much time in it as possible. I am thinking that perhaps she is wanting you to create a comfy chair sitting area that you can curl up and read a book? do you have an extra space that you could do that?
maybe part of your bed room or off the living room?
did yoiu friend come over to help with some of your boxes? maybe she could help you create some sacred space.
Your therapist sounds helpful?
bizi

Lovely thread and article Mari!
Very sleepy, so I'll post in the morning.

Thanks
 

Dear Bizi,

Your guest room with your cats sounds like a good place.

I like your phrase "sacred space."

M.

When we first moved into the house we painted, I picked a pretty lavender color, very pastel and comforting. My bed spread is a copy of a monet painting, called water lillies it is a brass bed, in the room I have paintings that are bright and vibrant yet also comforting. one of my prints is a georgia okeef print another is a woman with open arms spread out to catch hearts falling from a tree like apples. (melissa Harris, queen of hearts) I have a small quited wall piece with very unusal maching quilting using small strips of fabric and very exciting, full of colors purples, lttle blues and other quilted pieces, there is a print that I have hanging above the bed that is only on foam core, less expensive to hang that way that is all huge tulips pastel oranges and teal colors. There is an old wind up clock that i like to hear the sound of ....off and on some times I forget to wind it and it stops then stays that way until I miss the sound of the clock and start it back up again.
the parimeter of the room is cluttered with book shelves and stuff in bags that I have neglected for years even so , jumping on the bedwith the cats is very comforting.

WOW that is it
 

Dear Di,
Wow.
I hope that those folks can get their stuff out of your way.
M.

Hmmm, were you at my house today. Mari

Weird my husband started laying the carpet in Derrick's new room.
And talking about getting my office and his office redone.

Heehee

Donna

Love the thread.

I defineteñy need to work on the 5 points listed....

Gosh....

How I wish I had a little garden :(

I can't even imagine how to create a space for myself
 

Hi,

I looked around on google images to find pictures that might do because I have no idea.
This chair and foot stool is a start. What else should go in a corner of a room?


I could see this going in an area that is reserved for me.
That is the future when I get rid of some other stuff.

What would you put in your room?


M.

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/p...rnitures-1.jpg

a smallish old table (one that is warn so you don't have to worry about your cups of tea putting marks on the top) but a coaster can do the trick if you want to keep it formal....perhaps with shelves so you could put stuff on them like books or a journal, maybe some pretty stationary, so if you felt like writing little notes to people you care about... it would be there.
I would have a little writing board to put in my lap with a stuffing of sorts that conforms to your lap, beads...you know what I mean? I use mine when I don't feel like sitting at my desk. Of course a floor lamp with an adjustable light bulb. maybe you could find a good artificial floor plant to sit in the actual corner behind to the side of your chair. Maybe you could have a big basket on the other side with a good used quilt to curl up in....or maybe some chenille...oh so soft!
sorry I don't know how to bring in pictures of things.
I am glad you are thinking about creating some sacred space for yourself.
bizi

OHhhh just a dreaming start..

http://raymourflanigan6.richfx.com.e...00042_3000.jpg

http://static.www.odcdn.com/pictures...5784_sk_md.jpg

http://http://static.www.odcdn.com/p...5832_sk_lg.jpg

http://static.www.odcdn.com/pictures...8128_sk_md.jpg

http://www.homedecorators.com/images.../m71258310.jpg

Dear Di,
I like the items for your room.
You have good taste. :cool:


Dear Beth,
You have lots of good ideas with good details -- even down to the stationary and the tea. :)



I can't see yet what I need. That is why the thread is helping me.
M.

http://healing.about.com/cs/spiritua...acredspace.htm
thought you might like to read some of these things about creating a sacred space.
bizi

1. Location - Choose an area within the interior of your home for your sacred space. Use a spare bedroom, a revamped pantry area, or a tucked away corner space apart from the main traffic areas.
2. Sweep Clean - Clear this space of stagnant energies by performing a ritual smudging (cleanse with smoke from burning sage wand). This should also be repeated periodically after you begin using your sacred space . If needed, give the walls in your space a fresh coat of paint.
3. Meditate: - After your space is cleared and free of "stuff" spend some time there in solitude before you begin introducing your new furnishings. What types of things do your love? Get in touch with each of your senses in choosing the furnishings and decorative items to fill the space.
4. Comfortable Seating: Choose from floor cushions, a gentle swaying rocker, recliner, or a stuffed chaise to stretch out in.
5. Calming Sounds: Introduce some wind chimes, water fountains, CDs & player, or a hand-carved wooden flute to play.
6. Taste: Peppermints for mental clarity, calming herbal tea blends, cinnamon red hot candies to awaken the taste buds.
7. Smells: Light scented candles, burn incense, keep a supply of freshly cut sprigs of lavender.
8. Visual: Decorate with mirrors, posters, paintings, art sculptures, altars.
9. Touch: Display several objects offering a variety of textures such as crystals, feathers, sea shells, woven cloths, a huggable teddy bear, etc.
10. Fresh Air: Having a window opening in your sacred pace is especially welcome to allow fresh air and sunshine for healing and happiness. If there is no window available, an air purifier is fair substitute.

Tips:

1. Once your space is ready, honor it by making your presence there regularly.
2. Set boundaries by deciding who else, if anyone, is allowed in your sacred space.
3. Keep a supply of colored pens and notebooks if you want to maintain a journal in your sacred space.