Physical and Mental Preparation
On Wednesday 21st June, I attended a face to face meeting in Perth hosted by Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care with a focus on preparing volunteer EASE facilitators, of which I am one, to deliver face to face sessions in our local communities. It was great to see everyone in their entirety rather than the disembodied faces, previously participating from the constraints of their Zoom boxes.
The day was thought provoking, and quite exhausting mentally, as we all delivered a small section of the course to each other. The resources are designed to elicit dialogue, encourage questioning, enable opportunities for connection and empower us with the tools to ensure participants get the most from attending. I cannot rate this course highly enough, because we are all human, and we will all die, but having the confidence and direction not only to live our best lives now, but to make provision for those we leave behind, encourages a desire to put one’s house in order.
After months of procrastination, last week I got around to creating my Power of Attorney and it is a relief to know that when my time comes to die, my family will take care of my wishes including funeral arrangements and legalities.
Don’t get me wrong I intend to live a full and active life and have no intention of leaving this mortal coil for at least 40 years!
Walking regularly not only exercises my body, my brain and my mental health, but gives me the time and space I need sometimes to make sense of events which impact on me in some way. It could be I’ve received bad news from a friend or family member, read a disturbing news headline or know that those I love and care about are fighting the demons of trauma, and struggling to move forward. Achieving a state of wellbeing demands that we look after ourselves, as best we can and learn to appreciate the life we are leading, while recognising that the impact of life events may be taking a toll on our bodies.
This weekend I will be joining a team of 10 women who, between us, will walk for 24 hours. I’m excited and slightly apprehensive, because I haven’t participated in an organised physical event like this since 2014, the year my sweet sister, Emma, died. I am aware that the emotional toll could be high, but I resolutely believe in raising awareness and funding so that more people can be treated and saved, whatever the reason for their cancer.
You can find donation details here: https://relay.cancerresearchuk.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/General?px=1370985&pg=personal&fr_id=2197
Thank you. Let’s beat this B*strd Cancer!
As Gabor Maté puts it, in his book, ‘When the Body Says No’, we have a finite number of nerve endings and when the body is having to contend with emotional trauma, and the resulting physical pain is numbed with drugs, alcohol or servitude, something has to give. Gabor Maté is not suggesting that everyone who gets cancer, or other chronic illnesses has been traumatised or hasn’t looked after themselves, but there is increasing evidence that a significant number of cancer sufferers have suffered undiagnosed and untreated trauma. Trauma can be defined as one single act which has had an enduring and negative impact on a person’s life. As a society we need to better understand the effects of trauma and not only how it impacts on those around us, but how we can help. Watch this powerful film: a small donation (£6.24) is made to continue the work into becoming a trauma informed society: The Wisdom of Trauma
I hope you will make time to watch the sun set, or rise, or walk in the fresh air, noticing colourful flowers in our verdant landscape. Be safe, be well, be open to healing.
If you think a conversation with me or even a few coaching sessions will help get you back on track, please get in touch. Sometimes 1 session is all you need to find a way forward.
Mobile: 07477 017717
However, if you have an issue which is becoming detrimental to your sleep, affecting your eating habits, and impacting on your physical wellbeing please contact a professional service and seek help:
your GP, Mind, Samaritans call 116123; NHS Inform phone 111.
Or if you are suffering grief and bereavement, seek professional medical attention through your GP, Mind, Samaritans call 116123; Cruse Bereavement, NHS Inform phone 111.
Photo - Wee Dug watching sun set.
PS - Crow update: having been dive bombed and followed by 1 or 2 adult crows, I contacted the ELC Ranger service who moved the fledgling further into Lodge Grounds. I enjoyed 4 peaceful days before the wee blighter found its way to my back gate! My lovely neighbour came to the rescue, picked it up and released it back in the direction of Lodge Grounds. However, an hour or so later, I was followed and dive bombed 3 times.! I hasten to add I did nothing to these crows other than offer food and safety. Perhaps they were looking to be fed! Last Saturday morning, I saw the remains of the fledgling - believe me I recognised it - lying out on the grass in the park. Definitely not the outcome I wanted, but the crows are leaving me alone!
Photo of fledgling when it first appeared in my garden.
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