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I’ve climbed into a photo album and I can’t get out!

11/25/2016

 
I had a client say to me one time “I’ve climbed into my family photo album and I can’t get out”.  I think it’s a terrific way of describing having been triggered about events in your life and not having control over the result.  This could be that you have PTSD or cumulative stress from things that have occurred in your life.  Or it could be that you are in difficult circumstances re: work or home life.  The point is that either your mind or your emotions  have taken over and  you are looping over the same material over and over again with no solutions, progress or positive outcome.  Here are some ideas just in case that has happened. 

Find things that are grounding for you to do.  What I mean by grounding is that it shifts you into a different state of being that is more present and choiceful.  Grounding techniques can be mind, body, or spirit based. 

Here are some ideas:  1) Name 5 things you see; 5 things that you can hear (you can repeat them if necessary); 5 things that you can feel in your body (ie. your pulse, your breath, muscle sensations etc).  Now do it again counting to 4 for each item.  2) Call a friend and have a conversation.  (Anything that makes you listen and remember and be present in the moment.)  3)  Do yoga or meditation.  4)  Journal or draw your feelings and affirm yourself at the end of your writing/drawing.  5)  Do an activity that you find calming /nurturing.  6)  Do reality checks and break the problem into smaller chunks so they feel more ‘doable’.  6) Focus on your skills and abilities in the present, and how you have more power and choices compared to when you were a child.  6) Focus on what you have control of in the situation and take action that will make you feel better.  7) Exercise.  8) Find someone who is in a worse situation.  Compare down and then focus on things you can be grateful for in your life. 
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