Wouldn't it be amazing if we could actually gather together one day on the healing porch? Having trouble sleeping tonight and it would be lovely to wrap up in a blanket, head outside to the firepit with a cuppa hot chocolate, sink into a chair and enjoy the moon and stars and crisp autumn night with some of you.
Yes Kizzie that would be amazing! I can feel everyone's spirit here which really helps.
I love the smell of a fire pit. I just made some apple cider cookies with cinnamon chips IRL so I'll bring you some of those too.
I would adore that. You all would be such amazing company. I am here tonight too, still feeling under the weather but mending. I have therapy and group the next two nights irl so hopeful my body can handle the emotional impact. :hug:
Those cookies sound wonderful Kizzie! Perfect fall treat. I am going to wrap up in a blanket with some cookies and just soak up all the positive energy of this community.
Yes! A mug of hot cocoa or cinnamon-apple tea with those cookies, a cozy quilt and some soft music with my friends sounds amazing. :grouphug:
Ummmm Deep Blue's freshly baked cookies to boot! How lovely that would be IRL? (Pretty darn good in my head though too) ;D.
I'm hanging out on the porch today I need some self care :fallingbricks:
:hug:
I am coming to rest here today. I realize even with being sick I haven't truly rested irl. So hopefully coming here will remind me to slow down a moment, that pausing is okay.
I brought peppermint hot cocoa, and home made chai if anyone wants some. Along with candy canes and pumpkin rolls. I am feeling food/drinks from both holiday seasons today, so just going to accept that and bring it all.
I have a book and some gentle music. I think I will even go for a walk in the trees, and maybe do some yoga (haven't been able to since I got sick). Will be happy alone today, but would also love some company. There is always a puzzle or some cards out. :hug:
I hope it's okay to bring a special friend to the porch. I don't use that description lightly -- the friend is my inner child (the 16-yr.-old version, who probably had the darkest time and hardest struggles, being on the verge of adulthood and yet in many ways not even out of emotional/psychological infancy).
Still shy, it's fun to see his love for feeling part of the outdoors (denied to him in youth). So we came here by canoe; he was awe-struck by the woods and wildlife we encountered en route. Once here, on the porch I found the chest with art supplies, gathered up what we needed and headed for the shore.
There we arranged some kindling, split some larger wood chunks, and started a fire. Once in a while, we wrote out 'forget' notes, then burned them, watching the smoke disperse some awful memories that haunt us. Next we turned to the art supplies.
We decided on a collage (my inner child was once devastated by what an art teacher did to him). Cutting and pasting a combo of pics and printed material from magazines and comic books, we came up with a new 'picture journal' of how we'd like this life -- this new life -- to be for us. If it isn't obvious, we love to dream; we need to create, to restore our lives and have hope even as we give up the past.
My inner child was happy; overjoyed, really, that somehow he'd finally been allowed to be fully himself, and to have discovered this in a spirit of play and creativity. In the end, the healing porch and surroundings lived up to its name.
Thank you to all who maintain this place of refuge where we're allowed to be ourselves.
Welcome to 16 year old you! The process you're going through with him, well, I feel rather wordless but it sounds very healing and I hope it is that way for you both.
How lovely that he was able to come here and enjoy the beauty of this place! Of course he welcome, he's one of us.
:yeahthat:
gonna be here tomorrow. brain-dried today, altho i got some great work done. i'm happy and tired, want to rest under a blanket of peace just knowing i'm surrounded by the best people i've never met. chex mix for crunching.
I am so glad that I came to the Porch - because reading what you wrote, Woodsgnome, and meeting your friend - your 16 year old inner child, and how you enjoyed nature and the collage - it is beautiful to hear that. I related to things you wrote there - it touched my heart and my soul - thank you.
Hope :)
I'm tired today. I didn't sleep very well last night. I had lots of nightmares.
Gonna be here today and would really like some calm company. I'm happy to do a puzzle or just chat. I'm sipping some hot cocoa and sitting by the fire pit. I like low crackling sound of the flames. I have a weighted blanket on because the world is making me feel on edge
Hi DB
I am going to hang out on the porch tonight, hope you enjoy the fire pit, I'm just gunna sit and rest awhile.
Db, I wil be here too. I had some new memories surface and lots of somatic stuff going on today.
Calm company will be nice. I am up for anything as long as it is not loud or jumpy.
I am inviting teenage me and 2 year old me to be here if they want or feel safe. They are both friendly but both feeling the memories and fears differently today.
Adult me has to be at work today, and my little ones are making that difficult (which is not their fault they have been through a lot in the last 24 hours). So I am going to invite them here, my two year old self just needs a safe space to explore and rest. She is self sufficient because this is a magical place, but she does love company as long as you promise not to startle her. I will be in and out of here to make sure she has everything she needs, but I have to be split focus today so I am glad she can have a safe space to play and nap as needed
I have her Elpha,
She's been hanging with me making some puzzles.
She wanted some hot cocoa with extra marshmallows. I'm glad she's here, cuz though I'm feeling much better, I still wanted some company.
My son loves a heating pad shaped like a panda bear and I gave her one shaped like a gingerbread girl
Deep blue, thank you so much for watching her today :hug: :hug: I do not have words to express how much that means to me. She loves the idea of the gingerbread girl shaped one. Also you hit it right on the nose with extra marshmallows, she would eat those all day if you let her ;D It is honestly still something as an adult that I load my cocoa up with. It brought such a big smile to my face and a giant relief to know she has good and caring company today.
I sat with her yesterday and we both hurt all day, so knowings she is getting some much needed attention and hopefully fun time is great.
She loves having the attention, she never got much of it when she needed it before. I love this place so much, truly magical somedays.
I hope you continue to feel better as well Deep Blue. Feel free to keep her as long as you would like today, and she is always there for a hug or puzzles if you need her. Much like my adult self is for you too.
Coming here in need of comfort today. Will have warm tea and blankets full of comfort and compassion. It will be warm and safe while I try to keep focusing irl through this. I will be in my favorite chair with a furry animal or two letting me love on them a bit. :hug:
ems and i are both here today, sweetie. i conjured up some warm gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. just want to rest, but i'm near you, quietly, with my own warm blanket and rocking chair.
I would love some gingerbread cookies and cocoa, that is perfect. I am actually feeling better and want to go just take a walk around. Will me here if you need anything, but otherwise just happy to be outside and walking a bit. :hug:
I am coming here tonight to just be and rest. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day irl and I am just hurting tonight.
I found my favorite chair on the porch with a giant fuzzy blanket that is this beautiful dusty pink color. It is full of comfort and safety. On one of the corners is a stitched dream catcher, kind of like one that I have of my grandmothers. True Native America dream catcher that was passed down from the part of my family that lived on their tribal lands. That always symbolizes strength and resilience for me. It's imprtant that it is on this blanket.
I also made tea and have a book if I want it. Gentle company is okay but I may not have much to say tonight :hug:
Resting here today. :zzz: :zzz: I am worn out from emotions, but also just sleepy from a few late nights in a row. I have grabbed a giant blanket full of reassurance and safety. Think I will allow myself to dose off for a bit this morning, but then I will get up and work on drawing or a puzzle. Maybe a combination.
taking a break. my cold has flared up, it wants to get in the other ear. just need to relax now. rocking chair, pillow for my back, and the back of my neck, cuddle up in a blanket of safety, calm, peace. listen to the ocean and just be with my friends here. sounds soooo good.
I will be here tonight, I just need some peaceful vibes and an escape.
I'm going to be here tonight. I'm building a large fire and all are welcome. There will be an atmosphere of peace around the fire, and quiet, hopeful expectancy. I'll have all the supplies handy to make s'mores if anyone wants them. Maybe we'll be able to see a fireworks display, I do love them. 💥☄️💫🌌🎉🎆
I would love to join you for that fire Three Roses :hug: This magical place will allow my leg to feel better for an evening, not limiting me because of some injury I have managed to sustain irl. Can't want to enjoy some smores and maybe even those fireworks on the porch tonight ;D
Happy New Year to you all. I miss my friend today. I want to sit here and rest and am hopeful for better things this coming new year
Happy New Year to everyone here, and I wish for peace in our world in 2019. It's good to be here with all of you, sitting by the fire and just being quiet together.
Happy New Year everyone! I joined you here on the Porch from my bed last night. I shall grab a blanket which eases sore and tired feet and legs.
:grouphug:
Coming here to chill out or whatever it's called ... too befuddled for words of any sort, just seeking peace for a most troubled and agitated state of being. Speaking of peace ... I wish I could just :disappear: but this would be good too -- :zzz:
i've been thinking of this place lately, haven't visited for awhile. i think i'll stay here the rest of the day.
i want to add something that i don't think we have here yet - if we do, just ignore this. i'd like some bench swings here. one at the cabin on the lake (no mosquitoes), one with an awning at the beach. both would be filled with comfy, cushy pillows and cushions, cupholders or whatever might be needed for snacks.
i'm going to sit amongst the trees, looking out over the lake, my newest book, and lemonade. there's enough for everyone. maybe snooze a bit, but glad to have company if someone wants to engage in idle chatter. it will be magically warm, comfortable. just one of those kind of days.
Sanmagic, thank you for the lovely porch swing. I am enjoying rocking gently, seeing the trees bending gently in the breeze, feeling the warmth on my face. I am hearing the songs of several kinds of birds. Their music is lovely and soothing.
I think I saw this on the exact day I needed to be reminded that this place exists. :grouphug: It reminds me of Wife2, and honestly makes me miss her some.
Anyways I am so glad for the swings San, I think I will siting on of those with a blanket and a book. Just need a place of peace and rest right now. Will even magically allow myself to doze off and not fall off. Even better I want one of those round ones that looks like a papasan hanging rather than a bench so I can curl up with lots of fluffy things and try to sleep for a bit after reading.
i'm with you about missing wife2, el.
since this place is magical, your swing can take any shape it likes. all the cushions and pillows and other soft things you may want.
notalone, i'm glad you're enjoying the swing. i love birdsong, too. that and a gentle wind thru the trees are some of my favorite kinds of music.
San, I am glad I am not the only one with that. :hug: :hug: I always found such comfort and wisdom in here words. You both really made me feel a part of this place when I first started here. It meant more than I think I could have ever expressed back then.
I am glad my swing can take any shape. I sure to adore the magic here. I am going to go on a walk and maybe find a tree to climb and sit in for a bit. Just listening to the birds and enjoying some peace. Then back to my swing for a much deserved nap.
Going to rest here for a little while. I honestly could use some down time and just true rest this afternoon. Hopefully this shall all pass but today is difficult, irl. So I am going to drink some tea and maybe have a walk around the trees and water.
I am going to hang out here tonight and maybe do some drawings, listen to a book, and try to calm my agitation down.
Lots of times are like this; no matter what I do or try or want to, these feelings weigh me down. The feelings could be described as a lingering sadness, weariness, or something akin to feeling at the edge of my disappointment with life. My name for these weary feelings simply: the Ache. The Ache is actually always present, whether I notice it or not. I notice it now, and so I'm headed off to my favourite place of refuge -- the healing porch.
Others have come here before, during, and after their own Ache, when It seemed like all was so lost, that nothing mattered anymore, but somehow/someway we felt drawn to seek out this one last place of refuge. And so I've come here now.
Not knowing what I'll find -- probably just that special sort of peace that is built in here, where no one will ever hurt me again. Thoughts will be okay, but it's the healing most come for. Maybe I'll build a campfire by the water, brew and sip some tea, and for sure curl up in a nice warm blanket, knowing that sweet feeling of safety.
Simple and profound.
That's all. :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
Woodsgnome-
I'm happy to sit and share your campfire, if it's ok. We could look at the stars and marvel at the fact that we exist at all in this vast universe. The strength we draw from being part of the natural world may give us some peace.
Thank you, Jdog.
In the 'normal' world, I'm very careful about company, for the usual reasons. But here, I welcome you and anyone from OOTS to join me; as I know you get it. Better yet, I sense the sincere love behind wanting to share those beautiful aspects of life found here by the healing porch.
Here we know it's safe to dare connecting. Even the tears that sometimes blur things can't cover the joy of such connections -- with nature, people and a world where it's more than okay to 'just be'.
Thank you for allowing me to share space with you here, Woodsgnome. And may you find some places in your everyday world where it's ok to just "be", as well. :hug:
Hi guys, if you don't mind I'd like to join you out here for a while, too. I just want to hang out and be at peace for a bit.
I'll bring a blanket and a book and cup of tea :)
Plenty of room, S&B- settle on down and enjoy the warm fire and the quiet company.
I could do with being on here today too. I'll lie down in the hammock and doze. Probably I'll occasionally open my eyes and gaze out at the plants. I haven't been on the Porch for a long time but I think we planted roses and other flowers as well. I feel safe lying here and not having to do anything, decide anything, write anything.
I've come here to soak in the dose of reality always found hereabouts. You know, a place where people can trust, play, laugh, be serious; be whoever they are inclined to be AND be accepted for that beingness. I think it's called wholeness; I desperately need that.
One of my concerns of late -- numbness -- might at least lighten a little. The other concern is familiar but with a new twist -- fear. This time it's not so much about the old fears but of ever leaving the security of the healing porch again.
Words drop off at this point, as there's lots of mind fog (protective dissociation?) still floating around. Don't care, thinking has its place; here at the healing porch is not one of them. While there's things to do here, it's much more a place of BEING, and however I can build that back up. And the confidence that if others from OOTS are here, they are the most welcoming sight there could be.
Would you mind if I sit beside you with my cup of tea? I've brought one for you...
Fantastic, Three Roses. Thank you so much.
Found the broom and swept the Porch, gave all the blankets a good airing, and restocked the pantry. Found a stack of firewood, and built a cozy fire under the stars in the cool, refreshing night air. I've got some healthy, yummy snacks and everyone's favorite beverages are in the pantry. The Healing Porch is a place where we can gather and sit quietly, or talk, or run on the beach, climb a tree - whatever you want to do, as long as it's healthy for you and others it's here! So you're invited to grab a chair, get a blanket, sit by the fire, listen to the music of the stars and enjoy the night with me. Make yourself at home, you're family here. ❤️
Sounds nice 3R I could use a corner a blanket and a hug.
I'm loving being by the fire, listening to the music of the stars, enjoying talking when it feels right and enjoying being quiet when that feels right. The low stress enjoyment of feeling of being together in mutual good company. It's lovely. And I've got a hot mug of pine tea and a nice blanket for when it gets cooler.
There's nothing, zilch nothing, that can ever take this peace away. Sitting by the sea, warmed by fire and true friends, there comes this verse from an old favourite song:
"It matters nothing what they did to you
The storm is over, the wreckage through
Leave them in your wake, no more for you to take
Be like the sea
"If it hurts your heart, cast it up on the shore
Let it go forever, ceart go leor
Wash away the sorrow, the tears of no tomorrow
Be like the sea
"The sea, the sea, dive with me
We'll lose these rags we're wearing and be
Like the sea, the sea, wild and free
We'll swim out past the longing so deep"
*ceart go leor ... means it's alright, or okay
Thank you for sharing woodsgnome, that was beautiful.
I'm happy to see the porch is still in action. I'm brewing some apple and maple tea this morning, and wish I could extend the offer to you all.
Ah, but LittleBluebird, you just did. :hug:
Enjoying the fire and in awe of the stars. Three Roses, thank you for sweeping and stocking the pantry!
I have some hot coco if anyone wants some?
☕️
*raises hand * 🖐️
Yes please :)
Pass them around☕️☕️☕️
This place sounds so lovely, watching the stars next to a fire sounds like a dream :grouphug:
It's a great place to be accepted and invited to. It belongs to everyone.
It was just an idea kicking around, until one of us (Wife2, I miss you much!) decided she'd make an official page for it. It's been so popular that we are now on the 5th incarnation!
Here's the first post from The Healing Porch p. 1 -
QuoteI would like to make this the official home of the healing porch.
This is an idea several of us have come up with and want to maintain.
What we already know about the healing porch - first, it is imaginary. But, based on some real facts. It resembles the photo in my profile picture (an actual house I wish I could buy... ahh, if wishes were houses, I'd own it today).
Second, the porch wraps all the way around the house. Those who enjoy sun can sit in the un-roofed section, those who don't so much can even enjoy the screened in section. There are chairs, tables, swings, sofas, easy chairs.
Third, there is a beach and ocean just off the one side of the house. This ocean has crystal blue water, the sand never gets too hot to walk on.
Off another side of the porch is a middle/large concrete area for chalk expression and art. Hopscotch is popular over here.
Forest and lawn are represented off the other two porch sides. This is a magical healing porch, so it can shift as is needed for your healing time with us.
We have board games, bug lights, blankets of healing, peace, comfort, acceptance, rest and many other necessary emotions. They are scattered about the porch and you are welcome to wrap yourself in whichever blank you need. Fear not, this is a magical porch - if everyone needs acceptance, there will be enough to go around.
Refreshing beverages are always available - sorry, folks - one thing I feel strongly about, no alcohol. It blocks healing. Otherwise, all drinks are just waiting, cold or hot as is best for that beverage.
Snacks and light meals are also all around - fruit bowls, vegetable trays. Any vegan can be as well fed as the omnivores (including me) on this porch. If food is part of your challenge, there will always be a 'food-free' side to remove that as an issue during your time on the healing porch.
We've just had the suggestion that my puppies join us on the porch. I think it's a wonderful idea. In fact, if anyone has a pet, please bring it! We have shelving to hold aquariums, window jambs that would hold 20 pound cats, places for puppies to run and fetch, and whatever your pet wants or needs. Because this is a magical porch, messes clean themselves and no pet would DREAM of harming another pet.
All suggestions are welcome!! This is a place for all of us. It started as a mental image to help some of us remember to relax, breathe and enjoy each others' support. It's a great place to get acquainted with your inner child - everyone is safe here. There are games and friends to play them with. There are journals that nobody would ever dream of reading. There are phones and friends waiting on the other end to hear from you.
It is a place of healing. And community (I hear hopscotch is THE game this summer). Welcome.
a little later... QuoteIs there any flexibility on the alcohol rule? I'd like a round of bubbly to celebrate Elphanigh's triumph today.
QuoteOk, yes. I forget that not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic and that a toast for a friend means more with bubbly.
If I stay on the porch and don't drive, I may join you all. It's been so long since I enjoyed any alcohol that even a small glass of champagne is likely to leave me tipsy! Those who enjoy laughing, stick around!
You can add on to the Porch as you like! I built a tree house in one post, and think I'll be up there for the rest of the evening, reading. ;D
Here's a link to the first porch thread, for you that haven't read it yet.
https://cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=6910.0
Thanks 3R I needed to read that to night. I might come hang for a bit in the tree house if that's ok? Just finished my summer class so now just have to wait try and stop freaking out as I wait. Wait to find out about the job. I hate waiting on things like this the anticipation is so very triggering.
This place sounds so perfect and calming, thank you for sharing the first post. I imagine there being a field of wildflowers a little ways away from the house down a trail. I'm having a lovely morning picking flowers :)
Tee - you're welcome in my tree house anytime. There's an eclectic assortment of music to choose from, too - old school, new stuff, mellow or loud. Crank up the volume, kick back and enjoy. 🐦🌳🌲
Sunflower - yes! Wildflowers everywhere! They will practically leap into your arms, they're so happy to be picked/chosen. 💐🏵️🌸💮🌹🌻🌻🌻
We're at 5 pages for Part 5 so I'm locking this and starting Part 6.