Over the last few weeks I have witnessed anxiety, fear and disbelief in most of my clients. I certainly feel a mix of these things myself as we watch the world as we know it tumble. Nothing is certain anymore and most of us humans need to feel at least some sense of control to feel safe. Feeling secure is a basic human need – and when this security (even if much of it is an illusion) starts to wobble we become fearful, anxious, hyper vigilant. The basic fight or flight response mechanisms start to get triggered – some of us reach out to others, some of us go inward and all of us are trying to find a way to protect ourselves in this fragile universe.
I looked at this photo that I took a few years ago in Oregon and remember the awe and amazement I had looking up at this little person balanced on a wire high in the clouds. Now I look at it and imagine we are all on that wire as we socially isolate on our own or with families. We are precariously trying to balance as we teeter on very unstable ground with very little preparation and even fewer skills. To make things even more complicated there are many of us on that wire, some more sure footed than others and some racing to get to the other side wobbling the wire for the rest of us.
I wanted to keep in contact with all of my clients – hopefully providing a space to rest, reflect, reset, connect or find our balance over the next few months. I will be providing helpful links, suggesting strategies to keep balanced and including some writing exercises. What I want you to know is that I will be here providing a point of connection which will hopefully give you some strategies to find a secure psychological core in yourself that protects and nourishes you at this time. I am including the APS information in this blog.
I imagine in the next few weeks I will be doing my all of my sessions online and am awaiting clarification from Medicare. At this stage I am happy to do any online sessions but will not be able to guarantee a rebate.
One breath at a time
Gail
First tip sheet from the APS
Maintaining your mental health during social isolation
