Bliss

I’m finding all this talk about the Food Thing really difficult – both here and in therapy – even with all your support. I think the clincher was when my therapist said, “This isn’t about food; it’s about the trauma.” That statement has been boring a hole in my head since therapy yesterday, along with the trauma processing she dragged me through (why does that leave me so completely and utterly wrecked, emotionally and physically?)

Anyway, I thought I’d follow the advice of my therapists to learn some self-soothing. Taking a leaf out of Kate’s blog, and Tampalama’s, I’m creating my own Bliss List – things that make me feel good and bring me peace or at least comfort, particularly when I’m feeling “funky”.

So, in no particular order…

1. Music

I am particularly fond of choral music, including this wonderful piece that David also introduced me to. I also like chants (Hildegard is high on my list) and some new age material like Sacred Earth and restive piano pieces. My therapist says my love of choral music and chants obviously feeds the spiritual side of me, even if I’m not religious.

2. Books and reading

Especially a visit to my favourite bookshop, where I can spend hours totally absorbed in what’s new on the shelves and completely forget about everything in the world, and in my head. (Shame it’s not open at 3 in the morning when I can’t sleep!)

3. My kitty

Patting her: she’s so soft and silky and smoochey.

4. Lying in front of the heater

Add patting my kitty while lying in front of the heater and you have true Bliss!

5. Fresh, crisp, white cotton sheets

The higher the thread count the better. Hotel quality is best.

6. The beach

The roar of the ocean; sitting on the sand watching the waves; letting the waves lap at your feet. Mesmerising.

7. Photography

Especially black and white, but anything beautiful will do. I’ve always wanted to get more into the “doing” part of it, but at the moment I’m still too scared.

8. Doing things with my hands

An iridologist once told me I have a very active mind (no sh*t!) and need to do things with my hands to completely turn off. I’m not really sure what these things are, but have noticed my brain does turn off when I cook, even when I just chop vegetables for soup, and when I do jigsaw puzzles.

9. Spiritual places

These definitely bring me peace, in mind, body and spirit, though most of the ones I’m thinking of are in other countries. Places like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Saint-Chappelle in Paris, Cologne Cathedral and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, China. I particularly remember Angkor Wat – the most amazing place I’ve ever been – and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in China, which was such a delightful and peaceful respite from the craziness of the cities. I felt calm and peaceful in both places. I also hold a deep fascination for the Antarctic and Mount Everest, I’m not sure why, but images and videos of these places just mesmerise me.