I am just catching up with the thread, it has been a hectic weekend of work, little time to myself. I am forcing myself to take a few days off, I know I need it, and if I don’t my body will throw a spanner in the works to force me to slow down!
SeaEssence one of the good things about a pagan path is there are no rules- unless we want them. If using the term “witch” doesn’t feel right, then that’s fine. I know many don’t identify with that term, and some see it as appropriation, somehow denigrating the memory of those who were murdered during the burning times. Many of those killed were not witches, wouldn’t want to use that term and quite often being in the wrong place at the wrong time was enough to convict someone. I use the word witch to reclaim, the word is not pretty in society’s eyes, and even used as a slur or insult.
BlankTimes I am so glad you are back here and recovering. You have been greatly missed, I have thought of you often, especially when the thread chat turns to ancient and sacred places. We appreciate your wisdom and knowledge.
EmmaEmerald I am sorry to hear of your breakdown, I hope things are improving. I wanted to thank you for being so open with us- and you are right – no judgement here.
I want to thank you for your courage in being so open and honest. Mental ill health is something that has touched many of us, either direct experience or having a loved one who is affected. The stigma surrounding mental health issues serves only to make things worse, but the more we talk about it the more we can banish the shame, misconceptions, burdens and shame.
This thread encompasses everything that we experience in life, and we share how having a magical approach can help- mental health issues are no different. In fact I think there is a huge amount of common ground, when we heal and start to peel back layers, look into our shadow self, the lines between psychotherapy and magic are blurred.
The healing journey is different to us all, but there are commonalities between us.
I have struggled with dysregulation too, and when we are lost in a sea of angst then it is very hard to find foothold or even remember how to bring ourselves back to stability.
I have a little dysregulation handbook so I can refer to ideas which I know calm me, at least just a little so I can guide myself home. So things like deep breathing ( the most crucial one for me) meditation, having a bath, walking barefoot outside, walk through some woodland, barefoot outside, a change of scene, listen to chanting, drink calming tea- I am sure there are loads more.
I have had anxiety struggles for years, but is pretty much controlled for most of the time- you mentioned ritual EmmaEmerald , that is something that works really well for me. I do have a morning ritual, which serves to anchor me and makes me feel calm and grounded. It takes an hour or so, but is also functional, having my coffee, shower, getting dressed, but also all the magical things, candle, tarot, short meditation, affirmations. All these repetitive mindful acts tell a story of calm and safety to my subconscious.
Time for me to think about dinner, something simple and nutritious, and I will have a short cacao ceremony before snuggling down to read before bedtime.