Have you ever tried a sensory deprivation tank? Back in January bae and I tried sensory deprivation tanks at Urban Float in Seattle (Cap Hill location). It's kinda funny to think back on it, but I had to work up the nerve to float in tank without the lights on -- like, to be in my 30s and still afraid of the dark! Ha... it's hilarious, but I'm proud to say I enjoyed my first experience and got through it with minimal light and sound. Definitely something worth trying.
I'll never forget the day -- sitting in my car, the parking lot of Metropolitan Market in Queen Anne, crying on the phone having ANOTHER f*cking breakdown... that's when my mom said I needed to "speak to a professional" because my daily phone calls had turned into a "downer" and she sometimes didn't want to answer the phone. My mom has loved me through all my phases in life, but when it became a drain on her life force, she set up a very gentle boundary and encouraged me to seek the next step in self-care. I've now been in therapy for a little over 3 years and it's still one of the best decisions and financial investments I've made.
Hoping to encourage at least one person to speak with a professional therapist and take a proactive step in their self-care. You don't have to be "crazy" or have your life falling apart to seek a therapist, though if your shit is a hot mess you should run (not walk) to one. Therapy goes beyond the notion of "praying your way" through things (which many of us have been told), and is a vital step in loving yourself, acknowledging your past, PROCESSING AND HEALING AND LETTING GO, forgiveness, gaining new tools to conquer each day, having a healthier relationship with yourself and those around you, taking ownership of your shit and DOING BETTER AS YOU KNOW BETTER... it's just the best thing you can do.
It can be expensive, but there are so many options out there. Also know that some therapists offer a sliding scale, do pay what you can, or have referrals to someone who is qualified and in your price range. Therapy isn't convenient and will be a sacrifice for many -- but know that it's a SOLID investment and worth every single coin you'll spend.
If you feel comfortable, please share your experiences with therapy in the comments and feel free to share this post/link with your friends.
A quote I like:
"If you don't deal with your shit now... your shit will deal with you later."
It honestly feels like the world is going to hell in a hand basket right now. I don't know how to feel, what to do, or how to act. The last 2 days have been a blur full of mixed emotions... anger, rage, hopelessness, spurts of laughter followed by intense sadness... I feel like a hot mess and rightfully so.
Looking at images of black men being publicly executed... murdered by police who will more than likely go without any disciplinary action... only to then have that followed by murders of police in Dallas... it's just SO much to handle. Murder is not the answer. Crime is not the answer... we want outrage and justice for anyone who is murdered; however that requires equal outrage and justice, not just for specific lives. A white life or a "life in blue" is not worth more than a black or brown life.
With everything that's been happening I felt a pressing need to focus on self-care. One of the things I like doing and have found to be successful is doing an Aura Protection Bath. I like this recipe I found on TheHoodWitch.com that calls for about 30-40 mins of undisturbed time and ingredients most people have around the house.
I took this bath last night and it was amazing. I opted to use ACV and add the essential oils of Spearmint and Eucalyptus. It was magical. It's nearly impossible to not feel the weight of all the chaos currently happening in the world, so be sure to take some time for self-care this weekend. Stay encouraged and guard your heart... it's easy to get caught up in the bullshit and hate that's spreading like wildfires right now.
