Any Witches Here?- Part 19

[speakout]

Or Wiccans. or Pagans? Or anyone who is interested in a magical path or feels some magical stirrings.
A place for support, learning, swapping ideas and magical inspiration..
This is the 18th thread- anyone looking for a deep dive into juicy magical topics may like to browse previous threads.....
It is a long list!!
Part 1 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3241689-Any-witches-here?pg=1
Part 2
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3338025-Any-Witches-Here-Part-2?pg=1
Part 3
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3366411-Any-Witches-Here-Part-3?pg=1
Part 4
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3404406-Any-Witches-Here-Part-4-Edited-by-MNHQ?pg=1
Part5
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3437092-Any-Witches-Here-Part-5?pg=1
Part 6 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3482023-Any-Witches-Here-Part-6?pg=1
Part 7 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3520269-Any-Witches-Here-Part-7?pg=1
Part 8 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/a3568622-Any-Witches-Here-Part-8?pg=1
Part 9 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3637696-Any-Witches-Here-Part-9?pg=1
Part 10
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3726266-Any-Witches-Here-Part-10
Part 11
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3850635-Any-Witches-Here-Part-11
Part 12
//www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3997761-Any-Witches-Here-Part-12
Part 13 //www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4116107-Any-Witches-here-Part-13
Part 14www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4213962-Any-Witches-Here-Part-14
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4328830-Any-Witches-Here-Part-15?msgid=113505801
www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4435233-Any-Witches-Here-Part-16?page=40&reply=118807589

www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4598225-any-witches-here-part-17?page=40&reply=122990208

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4717929-any-witches-here-part-18?page=1

Magical evening all,

@Hedjwitch I love your creations, great inspiration and I can totally imagine the smell of that lip balm!
I may be late in well wishing, hope your daughter has heard the good news by now x

Great to read about different traditions and making Christmas/Yule/Solstice time right for your families. Especially by removing the stress and religious connections - good food and good company it is for me too! I'll be decorating properly this weekend, need a trip to the tip before I can start properly, but I'm really getting into the mood now

Best wishes to those feeling under the weather x

I hope today finds everyone feeling good and not too stressed by the seasonal load.
It has been a busy week here, and not without its share of drama. On the whole I have managed to stay calm and grounded.
I have started christmas shopping, bought a few things online, and may visit two large stores tomorrow morning- M&S open at 8am, so I will be there promptly.
I find big busy stores overwhelming, and have to plan my visits. I enjoy short trips, but one hour seems to be my limit before it starts feeling unenjoyable. My understanding OH is my wing man, will drop me off at the entrance, and pick me up so I don't have to worry about parking

I haven't thought about decorating yet, work is very busy and the house is cluttered with packing boxes, candles, bags of incense and herbs.
Once I shut up shop for christmas I also want to hire a carpet cleaning machine for the living room and stairs.
Only then will I start to decorate.

In the meantime it's daily life as usual.
I had a facial yesterday, it was so relaxing, including a rose oil face massage, the room was warm with low lighting, soft music, warm towels- left me feeling calm and nurtured.

Off to yoga this morning, classes are so restorative. The moment I sit on my mat I am in my sacred place, like my altar, it is safe, set apart. Yoga is a magical practice for me, the whole of myself is played out in my bodywork. I work with my strengths, vulnerabilities, find roots, connection to the wider universe, humility, patience and pride. I often laugh, sometimes have tears. And importantly I connect with myself, the primal connection.

I hope everyone enjoys this Friday, finds calm and joy.

I love your connection to yoga @speakout especially as a space of calm amid the chaos.

I’m still running about organising things, forgetting to do other things and feeling tired! I did make a batch of chutney yesterday afternoon, a very simple recipe that means ingredients in the pan and keep stirring. It was a very wet and dreary afternoon here yesterday and I found it soothing to cook something pleasant whilst keeping warm. The apples in the chutney came from our garden tree so it also felt like a little ritual to make something with them - they’d been chopped and frozen waiting for an opportunity for me find the time. The tree itself had a long-overdue pruning in October so it might not bear much fruit next year.

Otherwise, I am taking leave from the solstice until the second week of January, and it’s much needed!

I started yoga just under a year ago and, as many of you will recall,hated it! Didnt help that the class was too hard. But I've stuck with it. Missed classes when fibro been bad but stuck with it on the whole. I read @speakout post this morning and wished I felt as positive about yoga,so tried to change my thinking and be pleased with what I could do,rather than beating myself up about the moves I cant do. Dolphin? Seriously?
Today I did most of the class,even my nemesis the downward dog. Came out feeling energised for the first time. Teacher texted me to comment on the improvements in my stamina and alignment!
I wont be able to move tomorrow but still. Never give up never surrender!

I think trying to feel positive about things you can do can be really really difficult and you managed it so that's another positive for you right there.

I'm feeling down because in my heart, I am someone who likes to make useful things that are not temporary. You know, quilts, clothes, curtains, possibly furniture. But reality is different. The extent of my dyspraxia is such that these things are barred from me. DH came up with a fantastic term for how I feel when this reality hits me. He says 'Are you craftsad?' and then holds me very tightly until I feel better(I picked a good one).

I am still figuring out how to deal with a hidden disability that nobody really takes seriously. It's a bizarre balance in that it affects me daily but has zero effect on anyone outside my family.

Can anyone relate at all? Or have any words of wisdom?

@ISaySteadyOn that sounds tough. I would feel sad too if I was unable to do the things I loved because of a disability. No words of wisdom, but I do understand how you must be feeling. My eldest DC was diagnosed as autistic a couple of years ago and nobody really understands how he feels. I'm forever trying to explain to family members (mainly my parents) that he has a disability which means that certain things are overwhelming and exhausting for him, it's not that he's being lazy or anti social.

@Hedjwitch well done for sticking with yoga! It's been so beneficial for me over the years and I'm always delighted when others find joy from it. The postures will come...or they may not, it doesn't matter really. The beauty of yoga is that it's not a competition, you just need to do what works for you and your body.

I did a lovely Yang to Yin workshop on Saturday - 45 minutes of energising flow, followed by a restorative Yin practise. The theme of the class was about finding balance in our everyday loves. Not easy at this time of year when we're being pushed to get things done, socialise, etc. But our bodies are telling us to go inwards and hibernate. The class was a helpful reminder of the importance of carving out time for rest.

ISaySteadyOn
my dd has dyspraxia, autism, hypotonia, CFS and a long list of other conditions so she faces a lot of the same challenges as you.

Rather than focusing on things you cannot do, try and find something creative you can do. Many dyspraxics do very well with photography, David Bailey being the most well known. There are painting type apps that may suit you and loads for enhancing photos.

How are your fine motor skills, diamond painting or other craft kits may be suitable or horrifying depending on your abilities.
Have you seen an OT, they can help with exercises and co-ordination.
Do you have things like an Uccello kettle and knives with a saw type grip, fat handled cutlery, plug 'handles' and general helpful aids so you don't feel defeated doing ordinary household stuff.

Violet oh tell* *me about it, the thing I used to find hardest to explain was just because dd did something once that did not mean she could do that thing to the same standard and within the same timeframe as they had just seen.
Their ignorance comes across as disbelief and it's very hard to deal with.
A relative once phoned and asked if dd had grown out of her dyspraxia yet.
So many people who should know better have such low comprehension of invisible disabilities which makes it so much harder for parents and dyspraxics themselves.

Today has been healing. I did some yoga this morning, just from my living room not at a class but I’m proud of myself for making the effort. We had dinner in candlelight in the kitchen and now DH and I are reading by our fire. It’s been nothing extravagant but I forget sometimes how slowing down and retreating can be so healing, especially at this time of year.

@watchyourfriends that sounds so perfect. Just reading it made my shoulders drop!

We are out of some of the woods over here. My health thing cleared up. Got used to the idea of redundancy lol (and there's a pay-off, not much, but better than 0).

Always lingering is a worry about parent's health, and on-going is mine and DH's constant lack of sleep (weaning a baby seems to make them sleep even LESS. Good grief). But hoping we've shaken off some of the heaviest stuff of the last month or so. I'm not the only one overwhelmed by phrases like 'gearing up for xmas'. I mean what have we done to ourselves as a species hey.

Gearing up, when we should be winding down.
Rushing to get work done when we should be gradually stopping altogether.
Staying inside warm and cosy, but required at various work events.

I'm glad at least some of us are 'in the know' about how it should work this time of year!

Geminids meteor shower after midnight tonight and peaking tomorrow.

If you have clear skies, do look out !

Temporarily, I can't walk to the postbox to join in with the card exchange

I haven't found any solstice ecards, but this is a cheerful one, Happy Festive Season everyone
https://www.jacquielawson.com/card/gnome-noel/3550820

Hello all.
No Yule cards from me this year either, I am unwell and overwhelmed so paring back responsibilities to the bare minimum.
I’m awaiting contact from my GP surgery as my latest test result was uploaded yesterday and I am positive for H Pylori infection. I cried when I read it, tears of relief at finally having an answer as to why I am suffering so much. With this and a confirmation of adenomyosis I am NOT imagining all this abdomen pain and discomfort.
I know the treatment for the pylori will be unpleasant, but I hope I get back my appetite at last! It has really impacted my diet.

I have wanted to post every day this week, but life has been hectic.

I am sorry for those who are unwell or struggling right now, but very glad to read that wisdom prevails here, and we are confident enough to be aware of our limitations and energy levels.
I am nodding in agreement at the posts this week, there are few absolute "musts" at this time of year- our own welfare has to be paramount.

I will pop back in when I have more time, I would love to join the conversations about yoga/creativity/general health.

In the meantime take care of yourselves sisters.

@ISaySteadyOn you need a friend who loves to craft in this manner if it is the final product rather than the process. Crafters love the craft worthy and we are often willing to barter tallents. A friend proof read a big document for me and got socks to say thank you.

If it is the process you hanker after that is harder, you have mu full sympathy. I have lost the ability to be a reader. chronic illnesses make my dyslexia bad and combined with attention/focus issues it can be a real struggle bus. This week was the first time in a very long time I was ability to sit and read a whole book in a day and I credit this to the talent of a writer. Such was the author's talent I did not predict the twist and although it was the 1st in a triology where the others are not published the story arc was suspended in such a way that the book could have been a stand alone and you would not be mad, yet knowledge it isn't made you want to find out the publishing date of the next book. Blooming paying for it days later though. I can no longer read til 2am and get up for the day at 6am.

Early discussions on this thread highlighted some pretty serious season related trauma so I have been quietly curled up licking my wounds and trying to figure out how to unpick this. A counsellor/counselling is NOT an option. And not an approach that works for me. I rationalise too well and they struggle to unpick because there is no emotion just facts. But it is helpful to be aware that what others find incredibly comforting, triggers the fight or flight response of trauma in me.

Hope all those struggling with chronic conditions, those who are unwell, or just those finding the season hard have a gentle weekend. May you all find some moments of joy.

It is 3.30 and I am in the bath with a G and T. I have had enough. DH in hospital awaiting heart surgery..may be in for Christmas,dont know yet.
Elderly mother continuing to fail...hopefully will still be with us fir Christmas. Call from a " cousin" today ( second cousin really) to inform me her father is now at end of life care. He has been my father figure,my friend,my inspiration,my mentor...and the most talented poet who so generously shared his work with me over the years,and encouraged my poor offerings.
Want to go and see him to say goodbye but he's in Liverpool. Need to be here for DH in hospital in Edinburgh.
Dd1 who rarely communicates with me in any form,said last night she wouldnt be here for Christmas lunch as she was going to " a friends". As she has no close friends I have no idea who this is.
I have,quite simply,had enough.

I'd love to join this thread if it's still taking beginners. It's been a year of discovery with yoga, nature and compassionate inquiry therapy taking charge and setting me on a whole new way of life. Therapy has been the biggest one (ongoing) in teaching me to discover, sit with and process feelings - ones I had buried for a long time.
Going to think about what to do to mark my first solstice.

Welcome @ErnestCelendine . All are welcome here. There was a lovely online Solstice ceremony last night by the OBOD and might still be avaiable on you tube or on their fb page. Gave me some ideas.

@Hedjwitch I'm so sorry to hear you have so much going on, it must all feel totally overwhelming. No advice to give but sending a warm hug and lots of positive energy to you and your family members.

@ErnestCelendine you're very welcome ☺️ It sounds like you've had a wonderful year. Yoga has been life changing for me. I've just started therapy recently too. Like you, I have some things that I thought I'd buried that I need to process.

Hope everyone is well. I'm so sorry I missed the Christmas card exchange. I always take part as I love sending and receiving cards, but time has just run away with me this year!

@ISaySteadyOn ""Can anyone relate at all?"

I can relate - but still searching out help. I knew something was wrong as child in the sense of "can't walk and chew gum at the same time". Hopeless at handy things. Didn't even try to learn to ride a bike. Couldn't learn to swim as a child (just about got there as an adult).

But when I took well to driving, began to enjoy the gym, I thought I was okay.

It was later in life that I had a couple of embarrassing situations on holiday that I began to realise there was an issue - but I still don't know how to fix it. All the reading I can find talks about it being something that needs to be worked on childhood - no one offered that option, I was just thought to be physically inept and laughed at.

Now I'm reading that it gets worse with age. I would like to find a solution but
I don't know where. Following my spinal injury and weight gain, I have gotten worse. My centre of gravity is completely off.

I am very unsteady on my feet everywhere. If the pavement is slippery, I try not to go out. I can no longer drive, for a combination of reasons, and I used to love driving.

I recently tried crafting again and it was awful.

Sorry if this is useless, but you aren't alone.

I'm sure in the 50s and 60s they did remedial exercises for kids but I don't know where I'd find them. Maybe we should visit a children's physio? I wonder if they'd know more about how to help us.

EmmaEmerald +ISaySteadyOn

Yet another carefully thought out reply has fritzed into the ether ....... So in brief,

An OT would be much better for you than a physio, they have all sorts of solutions to help. Probably privately as NHS services are cut to the bone. OT is Occupational Thrapist.

If you want something more complementary, Alexander Technique can also be beneficial although some of the exercises do seem to bear no relation to the issue they solve. It's worked very well for a relative.

Steer clearof therapists who only work with Primitive Reflexes.

Check qualifications and insurance of anyone who expects you to pay them.

ErrnestCelandine a very warm welcome,* *grab a beanbag by the fire and dip in and out of our previous threads.

I am so grateful for this thread! It's nice to come on and see people discussing things like adults even if they don't agree...I have to say something other threads seem to be plummeting into a cesspool of negative comments and general nastiness. Thank goodness for a little bit of sanity!
Hope everyone is doing well and to those struggling i wish you the very best and hope things turn out well for you, sorry I don't have constructive advice or anything.
Looking forward to watching the sunrise later this week. Have a wonderful solstice all xx

@BlankTimes That's really helpful, thank you.

Re primitive reflexes, is there a particular reason you say that, is it that it's not useful at this stage?

I noticed today that I am 100% tense when walking, even though there's fewer wet leaves now.

Counting down to solstice....I think the external vibe is very weird but perhaps it's because I don't do Xmas.

Looks like DH will need a double or triple heart bypass now. Great.

Emma Primitive Reflexes are a theory. Many unscrupulous* *unqualified people call themselves therapists and advertise their therapy as a "cure" for adults issues.

It is very difficult to find a genuine therapist when looking into theories outside mainstream medicine

Some Occupational Therapists, not necessarily NHS ones, can determine if the Reflexes are retained, but that is only a very small part of the therapies and interventions they offer. They are trained and qualified.

Alexander Technique can also help with balance and Co ordination, it is a complementary technique and the exercises you are given don't seem to relate to the issue but I've seen it be successful for my own dd.
They are not medically trained.

It's just a question of dùe diligence, before you commit to anything, do check you are happy to be treated by that person and you fully understand how they have qualified in that therapy.

Hedj, I was in the cardiac unit in 2 hospitals for over 3 months very recently.
Bypass surgery is routine and the surgical teams are very experienced. Maybe if you ask to see his consultant you would feel more reassured. All of the consultants I've met have been really helpful and are keen to explain all procedures and alternatives.