Morning walks are the foundation of my PTSD whole self care routine. Those who know me have seen me in snow, rain, sun and wind brace the elements for this tradition.
Early morning is my favorite time to witness the pristine awakening of nature and spend spiritual time with myself to set the course of the day. Sometimes I have problems to work out, meditate on and release to the powers that be. Other times my creative self gets nurtured and inspired by nature. Enjoying time watching my pooch and exploring completes my day before it even starts. My father started me on this tradition as a child and I carry it forward no matter what because it roots me in peace and health.

After my accident when I was 19, my body was altered and it’s taken a lifetime learning how to best manage it. Digestion, pain and PTSD are all helped with my morning walks. The circulation gets my gut moving, movement gets the stiffness out and fresh air washes the cobwebs of strife away.
I always grab my cup o tea, slices of apple and head out with the pooch, rain or shine because it has been proven to me to be the essential benefit in managing PTSD and it’s symptoms.

I wish more medical professionals would write this prescription for their patients and start the morning walk as a required daily dose! It has kept my health issues in check and increased my joy factor!

What traditions keep you grounded?

           Sea Hag , collaged plaster mask
 
Masks are fascinating to me, I’ve made many…and worn many! As A trauma survivor I see the safety and detriment of them.
Masks protect and provide a way ‘to face’ the world. They can create a different identity and with that, a voice of hidden wisdom's and truths. Masks can help us know parts of us too frightened and vulnerable to exhibit in our lives.
Masks can also keep us disconnected in illusion. They make us believe we are something we aren’t, hide truths necessary for growth & peace and pretend everything is fine when it most certainly is not.
As I used art to work on healing my PTSD, mask making became my obsession. I found with each I did, when I wore it and did an internal dialog as the mask’s character…so much hidden was revealed of many feelings and observations I stored deep within. As I listened to this ‘new face’ and heard their story or concerns, I was able to see other perspectives of my own conundrum within. Listening helped determine the next step to heal and be less dissociated.
My Sea Hag mask speaks of aging gracefully, endurance, wear and tear, natural beauty and treasures.
What masks are your allies or foes??? It’s worth a look at for future peace and validation.
Art Heals!