Out of the Storm

The healing porch thread was started back in 2017 (https://cptsd.org/forum/index.php?topic=6910.0):

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.

Each part runs for 5 pages and then it's locked and a new part is started so it's easier to load and read.

I like it here.  I'm going to sit in the sun.

From reading elsewhere on the forum, it seems we maybe need a few blankets of self-compassion on the Porch. ;)

I need to an evening or two sitting around the bonfire under the stars.  I've brought some extra blankets for anyone who wants to join me.  We don't have to talk, just listen to the fire crackle and know we are safe in each other's company.

Today I feel it would be nice to do a group hug sitting in a circle..
Telling each other things we admire in the other going around the circle.. When it's each person's turn the others will go around and speak their admiration and seen qualities of that person

Quote from: Kizzie on January 09, 2020, 04:36:53 PMWe don't have to talk, just listen to the fire crackle and know we are safe in each other's company.

Thank you. I will join you and listen to the fire and any who only need listening.

 :grouphug:  for you Boats and welcome Julia, haven't seen you here before but glad you found our lovely  safe space here  :hug:

Tonight I'm wearing comfy clothes, wrapped in a blanket, sitting at the fire while feeling comforted by hearing my friends around me chatting quietly.

Quote from: Kizzie on January 10, 2020, 05:48:19 PM
...and welcome Julia, haven't seen you here before but glad you found our lovely  safe space here  :hug:

I feel warm and welcome.

Quote from: notalone on January 11, 2020, 01:29:30 AM
Tonight I'm wearing comfy clothes, wrapped in a blanket, sitting at the fire while feeling comforted by hearing my friends around me chatting quietly.

Stay comfy. There are comfort blankets over by you if you should want one.

Thank you, Juliaguarde. That is thoughtful.

thanks, julia - i'd like to share one of those comfy blankets, too.  i just want to sit in my rocker on the porch, surrounded by any and all who are here, and just know that i am cared about by the loveliest people i've never met.  it just feels warm and wonderful here.

This is my first time on the porch.
It's sooo lovely.

QuoteI am cared about by the loveliest people I've never met

Thank you for that Sanmagic.

I'd like to share briefly in your circle Boats...
I'd like to share my admiration of everybody here.
I admire your courage in allowing yourself to be vulnerable here.
I admire your willingness to share after so much hurt.
I admire your honesty in self-reflection.
I admire your compassion and love for others.
I admire your dedication to building and maintaining a safe space here.
You are beautiful.

Now I think I'll go sit by the fire and quietly strum my guitar.

What section of the forum is the healing porch please? I can't see....

 My Community  Community Corner  Creative Expressions  Other  Our Wonderful Healing Porch - Part 7

Hope this helps, Boatsetsailrose.

i'm here for a few days - just need to catch my breath.

blanket,rocker, fireplace, cabin, lake sounds, birds chirping, crickets at nite, comfy bed.  i'm set.

I'll bring you a hot drink of your choice and leave it right where you need it to be. :hug:

Ha ha found it thank u..
So pleased to be here I need some healing right now. My body aches so much from cfs /fibro...
Needing understanding, hugs, warm blanket and fire, the star sky and distraction...

thanks, snowdrop - hot choco sounds great right now. :hug:

glad you made it, bssr - warm blanket filled with healing energy and pain relief coming your way.  if i may, i'll sit w/ you by the fire for a bit, we can watch it dance and listen to it crackle - maybe that'll work for a little distraction.  also a hug filled w/ love and understanding :hug:

I return to this lovely porch today in need of comfort and peace.  Much has happened in my life over the last month and a half.
I take a blanket of comfort and sit in a supportive glide to watch the wind blow through the trees. 
I feel afraid but there are safe people and safe places. I'm here to remind all of me of that.

I need a blanket, a hammock, and outdoors in the shade.

Bringing lemonade and chocolate chip cookies for anyone who would like to share them with me.

Having viewed a spectacular sunset  :sunny: over the calm water, I'm starting a fire for warmth and ambience. Then I'll wrap up in some cozy blankets, brew some relaxing tea, then share the night with stars and what's left of this moon's waning magic.

Often this is the only place that makes sense to me. My other 'home' is peaceful, for sure; but wherever I go, the memories and bad stuff inevitably creep in and ... well, I feel out-of-sorts, like I can't fit in anywhere. Sure, I cope and try to work it out, but still can't attain that whole peace I crave more than anything.

So I come to the porch. I think it's so cool/wonderful/extraordinary that those of us who value this sort of place don't seek out castles, mansions, houses filled with fancy gadgets, etc. Instead we come here, to a beautiful, elegant area anchored by a lovely, simple place with the perfect name -- Healing Porch.

Everything we really desire is here at the Porch. Words aren't really adequate, so these are just some thoughts swirling around as the night descends. Once more I can feel safe.   :zzz:

This is the first time I've come to the Healing Porch. One part of me is having a very hard time with bad memories, and so I think I owe it to her to come here and let her be safe.
She'll be allowed to let her feet touch the sand and be for the first time ok. I think I'll just let her explore, the wood, the water, and so on. I'll be keeping an eye on her, but I know she'll be safe. It's just to make sure that she knows I'll always be here.
I'll be sitting in a chair, with some tea, and hopefully I can join woodsgnome today.

Thank you so much for having this safe place.

marta1234 wrote:  ... "hopefully I can join woodsgnome today." Yes ... another wonderful aspect of the Porch -- finding this safe place to be with the others who, whatever has happened, find their way here as well, to a place so different but finally calming, an honest place to share.

Welcome marta1234  :hug: ... there's some tea waiting.

i'm here today, too.  feeling very vulnerable as i talked about some things w/ my t today of which i've never spoken, never consciously brought up before.  i'm in my rocker, on the porch, listening to the waves wash ashore, ebb and flow, like a gentle heartbeat of healing.  lemonade and choco chip cookies sound marvelous.  thanks to all of you.  this place is magic.

Today I bring a magic pot of soup. It is never ending, self cleaning, and will pour you the bowl of your choice.  I feel afraid but I long for community.  Here in this porch, I can bring comfort and find it for myself as well. 
I'll be off eating my chicken tortilla soup in a sunny spot in the woods. 
Please take some warm comfort for yourself, if you'd like to. 

Ooh, chicken noodle soup for me please. Thank you so much, Julia, that's very thoughtful of you.

Comfort, soup in the sunny woods, and community -- it doesn't get any better.

Thanks for this gift to all, Juliaguarde ...  :grouphug:

Tonight, sitting by the fire on the beach, wrapped in a blanket, surrounded by stuffed animals (happy to share). I am listening to the waves lapping onto shore and looking at the stars. Come join me. I would enjoy your company.

I'm happy to join you. And because we're at our wonderful magic Healing Porch, the coronavirus can't touch us so we don't have to sit 1.5 metres apart.

I'd love to join you too.

Waves, stars, and trustworthy friends -- all elements of a flowing peace we can never have enough of.  :grouphug:

 :grouphug: I'm so happy to have company.  :wave:

I hope it's okay if I leave some Easter eggs for those who would like them. 

This is my first time on the Healing Porch, although I have seen it referenced on other boards here.  Its just what I need....Im coming here today, and Im going to just "be" for awhile.  Someone, maybe it was Notalone, mentioned stuffed animals.  I always wanted one of those HUGE child sized stuffed animals to just curl up into.  Im going to do that for awhile.  And Im going to watch all of my friends sit quietly, play hopscotch, laugh and chat together....all the wonderful, sweet and safe things that happen here.  And I look forward to joining in when I have the energy.  For now, Im just soaking in the safety, peace, and unconditional acceptance of the kindest people I have ever encountered.  Thank you so much for this porch, it really is healing....

I'm going to come and sit quietly on the Porch for a little while. It's just the right temperature for me atm.

I have decided to stay awhile.  I think Im going to sit on the comfy couches on the Porch and maybe sit quietly with some friends here....I hope the dogs and cats are out playing on the lawn, I love to watch them have so much fun....

Here I can trust. No wonders about -- do they get it; do they understand anything I'm pouring out to them; do they care? Or is it all just a charade and I will once more be abandoned, as too much to handle, best left to my loneliness. The big lonely -- the only thing I'm truly skilled at.

Here the peace permeates my being. It's odd how here I feel a love I cannot come up with in the world of 'normal'. There it seems so distant -- here it's my birthright, and I don't have to prove anything to earn it. Here even those who scorned me will never bother me.

I settle down by the fire, pour some tea, and drift off, alone and whole.

I'm so glad you are here with us.
:hug:

Hello friends. Join me on the beach. There is a big fire going, the stars are shining, and the water is gently lapping onto the shore. I am allowing the different Parts of me to be present. Adult me is breathing in the air, hearing the fire crackle, and talking to safe friends. Some of my Littles are playing in the sand with plastic animals. They would be happy to have others (adult or little) play with them. Other Littles are wrapped tightly in blankets, trying to know they are safe.

Copied from a post of mine on Healing Porch, Part 6:

In previous years I think we've had a Christmas / Yuletide / Winter celebration on the Healing Porch. For those of you who don't know the Healing Porch, it's a magic place. At one end of it, it can be snowing, while the rest of it is deliciously warm and cosy. Those who can't stand Christmas carols won't hear them even if there's a little group of us standing singing them. Our favourite wild animals and/or our pets might be present but they would never dream of attacking each other or us, for that matter.

There's a beach close by and there's often a fire on it tended by one of our mbrs. There's a tree-house on the lawn beside the porch. There can be any other healing thing or presence or activity anybody imagines. Feel free to drop by and add your description to how you find the porch and what you see, feel, hear, sense.

Following a recent setback to my spirits, I've made it back here to where life flows peacefully, at a pace where I can fit in.

To honour the occasion, I reached into my bag, found what I needed, slowly turned some earth and started a new/old section of a 'secret' garden to honour the hope that still can come from darkness.

May all be well.

it's wonderful to be back here for the holidays. i'm bringing some gingerbread people to share, one of the holiday traditions i used to delight in. i'm in the cabin with a lovely fire in the fireplace, toasty, warm, and safe. gonna do a little fishing on the lake outside, while the surrounding forest soothes my soul.  everyone is invited to join me, if you want to. just hangin' out, a few board games to enjoy with people who 'get' it. 

i remember and miss 'wife#2' who started this marvelous place.  it's been a refuge from outside worries and stress on so many occasions for me. this cabin welcomes all manner of holiday celebrations at this time of year, decorations and festive lights everywhere.  it's cozy and quiet or filled with smiles and laughter, all celebrating the fact that we've made it this far, support each other, and wish only the best for everyone.  it's just so nice to have a place that takes care of the stress and worries of our realities.

Although I don't feel like I deserve it, which is sad, but I will join and come by the Healing Porch for my other parts. This year has been so difficult for everyone, and also for me, so I'd like to join in on some Christmas care with resting in a chair by the fireplace. I'd also like to go fishing, and sleep with a blanket in the cabin.
Sending my love and care to everyone, and thank you for being here  :hug:  :hug:

glad you're here, marta - i think you deserve it no less than any of us.  chairs, blankets, warm beverages are all there for the taking.  and, i love the idea of a fishing companion!  relaxing and restful, with gentle waves lapping at the shore, twilight water birds sending out their signals that all is well here.

I'm in need of a quite place to be surrounded with safe friends. Who can just give hugs and know with out saying a word.  😔😥🥺

 :hug: for you tee, glad you could join us. Enjoying the rest.  :hug:

For Tee ...

words? only a couple, to paint the scene ... here it's just you, Tee, and those of us sharing with you ... breathing in the peace and safety  you deserve...

... now there is only this peace, surrounding us all in safety and love.

... no more words, only soft, silent  :hug:

 :hug: thank you

i'll add a hug for you, tee :hug:

it's just so good to be able to be with friends who don't judge, don't expect, don't pressure - so glad to be part of this. :grouphug:

This is a beautiful place! I'd like to join in, too, for some rest, safety and friendship  :grouphug:

I'll have a bonfire going at the beach with some hot dogs and marshmallows to share. We can tell fun stories and laugh or just quitely listen to the crackle of the flames. And afterwards, I'm going to spread out a blanket and quietly lay under the clear, starry sky.

glad you're here, pioneer.  a clear starry sky to gaze upon sounds wonderful.

I just want to sit above the group watching perched from the stretched out arm of a tree, drying out with the embers that dance around me. If only they were shooting stars, and hoping hard enough made wishes come true, then I could climb down and sit among the rest of you. I wish I could be contented to sit beside the sea, but I am also peaceful hugged by the long cold arms of the willowing oak tree. I look up to the rustling leaves above and know that somewhere the moon pulls the tide to my ear, and although I cannot see and stars the sparks of fire drift near. I can hear the soft voices of those who are happier than I am, and just listening to their whispers makes me feel like I can belong there too, nearby a porch, in a dream, somewhere by the sea, with people who are a little like me.

sitting here, hoping to get some sense of sensibility back.  just sitting, surrounded by friends, and we don't have to say a word, just be, but the caring energy holds me up.

Coming to sit with you and just be. Trying to accept myself as I am atm.

Also coming by. Accepting myself as I am.  :hug:

Joining you, dear friends. No masks here, just me.

I'm glad you're all here. Just as you are.

Finding my way back, first to the Healing Porch; then beyond ...
I awoke, but still very tired. Nothing new there. Tired, and stiff, but something was different. I must have wandered out to The Healing Porch. Nothing surprising there -- I've been very stressed from the usual sources, some of which I can't see but only reside in memory's vault.

Thankfully, memory also includes the instinct of how to find my way to The Healing Porch; and of course all the areas beside it that speak of peace. The fire ring by the sea, the treehouse off that way, and this familiar trail I'm on. It leads to ... yes, this is the spot I could never forget. Now I knew full well where I was, and even heard Robin's welcoming song.

I knelt down at the familiar spot, rooted around a bit in the verdant soil, and there it was, right where I'd left it last time. I felt the dirt-covered metal piece and raised it out of the ground -- it was THE KEY, right where it needed to be. I felt a glow rising in me, as I followed Robin to the place where the door was still mostly hidden in its mossy overhang. A twist of the key, that familiar creak of the door, and I was in -- once again -- and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be ... back in that place of beauty known as The Secret Garden.

There's lots to be done, but now it's all worthwhile and -- most important, I'm safe here, and always will be.

Beautiful image, woodsgnome.  :)

it's been so long, i'd almost forgotten this place.  i'm in the cabin, snuggled up in a warm throw on my rocker, a fire crackling in the fireplace.  i've got various muffins, warm from the oven, with jams and butter ready to spread.  the lake is outside, gently lapping against the shore.  dang, it feels so good to write this down, picture it, let all the crapola wisp away in the smoke from the fire after having been burned up and cleansed of its poison.  aaaah.  anyone's welcome.  the air outside is crisp, the leaves are turning, the wind makes its sweet sound thru the trees.   :cloud9:  feels so good to rest.

Thanks for inviting us to visit you here on the healing porch. It's a beautiful fall day and I just am loving being wrapped in a warm blanket near friends and a warm fireplace. Im lying next to the warm fireplace and remembering my times with my grandparents. I just finished braiding a couple loaves of fig challah and they are rising on the counter for dinner later tonight after we finish off those delicious sweet muffins and jams San brought.

Yay san! :wave: Thanks for inviting us. I'd honestly forgotten all about the Healing Porch. I'm lying in a hammock swaying gently to and fro enjoying having you safe people around and enjoying the fresh air and the scents it brings, like roses.

(We're just on the very top of page 5 so please don't start a new Porch rn, Kizzie ;) )

Thanks for updating this thread, Sanmagic.

There's barely a day when thoughts of the safe and beautiful ambience to be found on and around The Healing Porch don't somehow drift into my thoughts. In my own symbolism, I picture thoughts as tumbling over a rushing waterfall -- some are relevant and land at just right place and freshen the day, no matter how bad things can seem.

Those healing feelings that are found here are always needed -- comforting, too, but mostly empowering me to make it through -- and to see beyond -- the quagmire called life.

So I say hello to all who arrive here, where we can discard the past and current griefs while taking in the beauty and safety we always know can be found here, at the Healing Porch.

:umbrella:

I'm enjoying some quiet here except for an old time radio show I'm listening to. :: pours glass of lemonade ::

i'm sitting in front of the cabin in the woods, a line in the water, simply enjoying being here.  i brought some raspberry muffins for anyone who cares to nibble a bit, along w/ lemonade.  even that sounds relaxing.  enjoy!

Lovely to see you on the porch San and thanks for bringing treats  :hug:  No-one has been here for a while so it's good to see it back in use. I always think of sitting out on a cool starry night and having a lovely warm, crackling fire to stare into.

Thanks to blueberry for reminding me about this place.  the magic of it is that everyone can find their own kind of soothing and calm here.  thanks to wife2 for starting it. 

I've decided to climb down from the branch that cradled and shadowed me. I no longer have to watch the sparks shoot off the fire and dance around me until they slowly die out to know they will die out.

I'd rather warm myself by the embers and poke around in the ashes. I'd rather sit in silence among others, alike or not at all. I want to eat vegan s'mores, even if they've never been my favourite. Marshmallow and Graham cracker only. Maybe someone prefers theirs with double chocolate and will be grateful for me and my peculiarities. Or maybe not. Either way, I am content to sit in silence at a reasonable distance to observe and suppose.

bermuda, i'd be happy to share those s'mores with you!  they sound just right, and a fire on the beach, listening to the waves lapping, seabirds calling overhead, some of them brazen enough to nip at any crumbs laying around, which makes me laugh.  there's a slight breeze that ruffles the tide every so often. deep breath, and relax. 

I'm here to eat any extra unwanted chocolate! And to pretend like I can play a lovely ukulele lullaby beautifully for you both. Which I can't but on the porch I can.

The night needed music ... just now, what's that? A harp, no; perhaps a guitar being softly strummed, no. Hmmm ...  :whistling:  Yes, a ukelele; has to be.

Arriving at the seaside fire ring, sat the loveliest crowd, munching a bit, enjoying a few s'mores and chocolates, but mostly a powerful vibe of what used to be called 'peace beyond understanding.'

Not wanting to disturb, I'm still drawn, and ... the vibe carries all forward, in silent peace, like we've always wanted. It's so simple, and yet so many never understood that. We do, and treasure these moments.

:grouphug:

Hi Woodsgnome and everyone.

I've been thinking of you recently, WG, and out of the blue, through some blunder most likely, OOTF appeared on my front-page, top menu and on clicking, it opened with my lost username and password automatised.

I never understand these machines.  But I call it 'serendipity'.

I'm charging my mower battery and feeling lazy, and my back is hurting but the lawn in spring is now beyond 'luxurious'.

It's such a nice day here, I don't want it to be night yet.  But across the ocean where you are I'm wishing you deep, peaceful sleep, because I think it us the middle of the night across the equator.

I need to get up off this porch now.  The battery has finished.

Warmest wishes

It has been too long since I've been here and I need the peace. I'm enjoying staring into the fire, watching the dancing flames and hearing the gentle waves and the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves. Mostly, I'm enjoying conversation with friends. Beautiful.

Why must this place be so distant? It seems I have instant access to my Grief Garden, but this Healing Porch is so elusive, and hard to get to. It seems so far away, and it can be tiring to get here.

I'd like it so much more if it wasn't so hard  to reach, and then  only when I'm desperate and need its comfort. Once there, it's so peaceful, yet energizing by the same token. Maybe it's supposed to be hard to get to; perhaps the difficulty helps create the magic spell it holds? Must places like the Healing Porch always be distant?

I don't care. I just know it's a place I'm meant to be. Sure, so does the Grief Garden, and it would be naive to miss its transformative paths. Or is the Healing Porch close to it and I never realized it? . Knowing the presence of the Healing Porch and its awesome setting would always be worth the trip.

But I think it only seems far away. I can always dig a piece of soil from there to tuck in my heart, where my tears of separation can nourish new growth, wherever I am. Even in the Grief Garden. in that way I can always feel connected to the Healing Porch. And to Hope.  :sunny:


a

Hi. I'm here.

I'm curled up on one of those camping couches watching the fire. Eyes drifting open and closed. The heat, the movement, and the sound makes the fire seem alive, like a comforting figure watching over me.

It's nice to be alone for my first time. But if anyone wants to join, I could just as easily fall asleep to some friendly chatter.

i decided to come here, let my sadness waft away on the breeze for a bit.  i'll give you your space, ownside, by sitting on the porch swing and watching the fire from afar.  i did bring lemonade and hot chocolate for anyone wishing to indulge.  otherwise the soothing rocking is comforting my frayed nerves.  *big sigh*.  yep, this is where i needed to be.

I'm coming to join you. I'm getting into a magic winter hammock. Unlike standard summer hammocks, this thing keeps me warm and the gentle to and fro is calming. I'll probably drop off to sleep, but that's quite OK. Now I see an innovative tea-drinking thing arriving. I can remain lying down and drink the tea through a straw w/o tea sloshing out in anyway. I'm so tired. I won't write out all my aches and worries, we should avoid that kind of stuff on our Healing Porch.  :grouphug:

I'm here, too, in my own warm space curled up and safe and quiet. I am utterly worn down and can use the rest and peace and quiet.

Welcome Armee  :bighug: :zzz: :zzz:

We're over our 5 page limit for threads (tks for letting me know BB!), so locking this one and starting Part 8.