30 seconds of survival during tough times: what is yours today?

[Peppermintbach]

Hi everyone,

I have a little survival idea that want to run by you all:

I’m not asking for 30 hours or even 30 minutes. I’m only asking:

If you have been going through a hard time or struggling with something (whatever that may be) what were 30 seconds of respite, reprieve or relief that you experienced today? What were you doing in those 30 seconds?

You can write as often as you like or as infrequently as you like. It also doesn’t have to be 30 seconds either. That’s just a number that I chose, because I thought it would be doable for most people. It can be more or less than 30 seconds of survival.

I would love to hear from you 🙂

I’ll start:

On my way to work, I spotted some Christmas decorations, and instantly thought “oh, that’s so pretty!”

30 seconds of relief from my troubles. 30 seconds of survival.

Background/inspiration for this thread:

I was inspired by a book that I’ve been reading. It’s based on real life events where a woman lost her husband unexpectedly, and was left both a widow & single parent overnight.

As you can imagine, she struggled with immense grief and loss, and was unsure when she would be able to see beyond it...reminders of him were everywhere, and she wasn’t sure when the pain would ever subside.

But during a work meeting, while giving a presentation (or maybe she was chairing a meeting?), in that brief period, she forgot about her loss as she was immersed in her work. Sure, of course, her grief returned (as it often does). But in that brief moment, she felt a sense of “normalcy”, if there ever was such a thing.

Okay, so maybe work won’t be your “thing” and maybe it’s not grief that you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s something else (that’s okay and valid).

What I’m getting at is recognising our capacity to survive by recalling brief moments of survival. It all adds up...

Moments when either your pain, heartbreak, loss, disappointment (whatever you’re going through) was temporarily forgotten or even subsided a little. Moments, however fleeting but nonetheless important, of survival 🙂

[PhoebeWings]

Hi Birdy,

A few days ago, I said I’d reply more fully - I’ve been returning to the words of the poem many times.

It was such a gift for you to think of sharing this with me...

Firstly, the special symbolic meaning of cows have particular meaning to my life over the past few years.

I read somewhere, that in certain texts cows represent ‘truth’ amongst other things.

I do feel that ‘truths’ have gently pressed their flanks against me... helping me find wider perspectives and help keep my sense of being.

In the past few years I have literally made the move to ‘green pastures’ - and of course green pastures have a deep spiritual meaning too don’t they?

Also, I am English and the Oak tree has long been a sentimental symbol for me personally.

Years ago, when we bought our first home, a friend gifted me with an English Oak sapling. This grew alongside a Kauri tree. The Oak grew as if it were made for the spot we chose to plant - and there were constantly saplings which I gave to friends who had the space to grow them. I also wear a silver acorn, I have a tiny enamel case which is decorated with an Oak leaf.

In the case is a tiny shell from the beach I walked on with my son, who I reunited with after over some 20 odd years...he was taken for adoption when I was 14 yrs old, in the days when that was what was expected.

So much more in that poem, which I haven’t covered - but I just wanted to share how sweet your gift is - as the words really truly ‘sing’ to me.

Sorry this is so long,

Thank- you again,

There will be many rich 30 second moments for me, feeling comforted by the meaning of those words ❤️

[Birdy77]

Dearest Phoebe,

All i can manage right now is: wow ❤❤❤

Thank you so very much for sharing what you just shared.

I can't tell you how moved i am.

I too will come back again, and say more, just needed to say thank you.

❤❤❤❤❤

[Guest_2496]

Phoebe, you write so beautifully - just wanted to say that 🙂

[Gambit87]

My 30 seconds lately has been taking short walks to a small oval near with my girlfriend and just watching the birds and the sunset!

[Peppermintbach]

Hi lovely people,

An appreciative thank you for all your comments, insights & sharing 🙂

Everyone is most welcome to share their 30 seconds, give or take, of relief & respite.

Tayla: I’m sorry about the situation with your meds. I think it’s really kind of you to forgive your psychiatrist. You’re very understanding.

Although you also sound a little uncertain, hurt & that you have some feelings of doubt about how much your psychiatrist cares about you. That must be hard, but I hope things improved at your next appointment.

Phoebe: what beautiful moments you shared with lovely birdy & everyone here.

I completely agree with Annie that you write beautifully. There’s a certain romance, softness & tenderness in your writing style.

I’m very happy that that poem moved you so...it’s the gift that keeps on giving...

birdy: lovely friend, it looks like you intuitively knew that poem was just perfect to share with Phoebe.

You both seem to share a similar outlook on life, & tenderness towards non-human animals. Also, you both moved to quieter parts of the world. What a gorgeous connection you share xoxox

Annie: what can I say? I agree with you 😉

It’s wonderful to see you here...

Gambit: time with a loved one in nature is priceless. Your moment made me smile 🙂

Birds & sunsets can be so peaceful. Sunrise is gorgeous too. I love bird calls & bird songs...I always wonder what are they trying to say?

Thank you so much for your contributions, & of course, reading along is wonderful too.

Kindness & care to all,

Pepper

[Guest_1643]

Yesterdays 30 seconds was easy - I had the first amazing and nourishing meal after not eating so well for bit.

But today, I can't find any moments just yet. i feel very stressed. Maybe I will find a moment later. The meal yesterday was crunchy tofu and I could just feel the protein keeping me strong and filling me with energy. So much easier these days to reach for sugary snacks. It's harder to eat healthy with all this going on.

[Guest_2496]

Thanks Pepper

I’m reading just not saying much lately.

This thread gives me some peace but I guess my 30 seconds of survival is coming from Petrea King’s daily meditations on Facebook at the moment.

[Padfoot02]

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been inactive for the last few days, I've been taking advantage of not being at school by relaxing. I've also been reorganizing my studio so I've got more space to really get into my music and practice. I've also been trying to help Rhiannon find a place to stay which is about as fun as you could imagine. As of writing this, I've got my first video lesson for Chemistry in half an hour which is gonna be weird. It's been a weird few days this week and I'm not entirely sure what is gonna happen. Music is helping to fill the void of boredom but other than that I'm just sitting around aimlessly. I think I'm going to start to learn to code in C++ as a distraction.

I hope you're all doing alright and (I'm so sorry for the joke I'm about to make) Annie, are you okay?

But really, stay safe out there and look out for yourself above others, it's the best way you can look out for others.

from Padfoot

[Tay100]

Hey all and in particular Sleepy21

I relate to you; eating well can be so invigorating after not doing so for a while. I find the same goes for me and drinking coffee 🙂

My 30 seconds was not being overwhelmed by the demands of my thesis and academic life in general. I broke down my tasks into bite-sized portions and made a schedule that gives me copious amounts of time to do everything, it was so calming and productive in and of itself 🙂

[Guest_1643]

Hey Tay - the effects of good food, hey? Can't be beat!

You are a great organiser - well done on tackling the thesis!!!

Good luck with the thesis, and with all the small tasks!

Today my 30 seconds is Leonard Cohen's music, reallly broke up the tension of the day and the heightened stress in the air...Just gets to my heart, love him.