Coming to terms with reality

[Appleblossom]

Sorry about the virus @Former-Member but glad you got away for your annniversary.

Yes understanding trust, vulnerability and defenses seems key to good relationships.

@Adek If you do not mind I would not mind some links on the material you were talking about in self defence mechanisms.

@eudemonism Expressing the way we feel seems to be part of getting unstuck, then comes opening a space in our personal narrative to grow a better life.  A better life based on your values. Maybe we are more like plants than first thought. Things seem to weave around.

[Adek]

Hello @Former-Member ... Good to know that u had a great distraction on your outing. Sometime s when u were off the forum for a few days i started worrying and hoping everything wiyh be ok for you & @eudemonism & @Appleblossom. @A2Z..how are u doing?

This is the link u asked for Apple...https://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-defense-mechanisms/

I am at the hospital now...just had a session with the endocrinologist. I mentioned to him the possibilities of some meds causing me all these body pain. Since the bloodtest result was at its optimum he agreed that theres no reason for me to be on statins so he took it off my prescription. Thanks to u @eudemonism. 💐💐

[Appleblossom]

Thank you @Adek

[Appleblossom]

I studied all those defence mechanisms 30 years ago. @Adek I did a lot of Psychoanalysis and Social Theory. It is different to apply to "the self".  Most work I do on myself on my own initiative. 

I have been reflecting on the first few and will chew my way thru list.

Defence mechanisms are not necessarily bad, they become a problem when they interfere with interpersonal relationships.

I have never been to an endocrinologist, @Adekbut had friend who went all the time. She warned me and I went off statins a few years ago, with GP approval.  SIck of swallowing pills.  Was nearly down to zero! I dont even take paracetamol or many pharmacy preparations unless very bad.  So in some ways I am a loner who works within community parameters.

How ytou doing @eudemonism @A2Z @Former-Member

[Adek]

I was referred to endocrinologist some yrs back because of hypothyroidism. They didn't prescribe we with anything..only did blood monitoring till the t3 hormone level came back to normal. I can't remember why i was prescribed with statin. My bp had always been 106/61 up to 112/80 which was considered excellent by the doc i met ystd. Sugars, cholesterol etc in its optimum range as well. The thorough medical checkup i did last year..my blood vessels is only 19 yrs old despite my age being 46. Perhaps..the natural remedies like ciders, honey, olives, nigella sativa ive been taking and promoting had done the trick.

Was looking up studies on infrared sauna for fibromyalgia last night..trying to work my way out of the fibro meds as well. Doc changed my meds 3x now since those i had taken only helped for a short period..then gradually it made no difference..the pain is still so intense i only feel some relieve in using the hot pack and doing a lot of stretching.

Btw..we discussed the defense mechanism not to apply..but rather...like u said @Appleblossom...to reflect & understand the people around so i can improve my interpersonal skill when interacting with them. Had been in some of the earlier types u mentioned in my yesteryears but after 40 we noticed the pattern is more directed towards intellectualization and the mature mechanism 13-15. The psychotherapist had encouraged to stay on with the 4 mechanisms at the same time be aware of my limits...knowing when to cut loose..when to back off..so as not to get too overwhelmed which will become stress factors that create swings and affect the polars.

[Adek]

U might wanna try make pomegranate+lemon cider @Appleblossom. A customer who is also a permaculturist gave me a bottle when i visited her at home for cuppling. Am used to apple.. pomegranate..dates ciders. But the pome+lemon mix was best..really aromatic and invigorating 😘🍋🍊

[A2Z]

Hi @Adek I am well, Thank you.

Glad to hear that you doctor took off statins. All the best and wish you a speedy recovery.

I am organising things and now ready to visit my parents, reltives and friends. Will be flying this evening. Next three months I will be travelling across the oceans. 

Hi @eudemonism @Appleblossom @Former-Member @Former-Member Hope all of you are keeping a positive out look. Mark my word it does help even if the light at the end of the tunnel is not visible.  

Take care guys. Sending loads of love 

[A2Z]

Hi @Appleblossom. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts.

I did my best to be off medication. I am clean of all medication. It is hard work and a lot of trust in God who created me. The Doctors said I have to be on meds forever. Thank God I have proved them wrong. It is hard work yet it is worth it.

You mentioning 'my own initiative' couple of days ago I served an esteemed lecturer who was working in 'Transformational educational department' in a Uni- I expressed the an institution though named transformational cannot have any impact unless the people from within initiate transformation. He thought it was a profound observation. Yet I thought it was more logic having the life experience I have. 

Sometimes the community systems are inhibitting - All the best.

Still got to do some ironig and cleaning before I start my trip.

Lots of love, 

[A2Z]

Good day @eudemonism - I think if we didnt have the challenges life may get borning. Now that I know I can face the challenges even if there is a bit of fear/doubt in the end I can some how achieve what I want. I like prefer a spiral in my life than a cycle.

Me too, really enjoy reading. I like literature, historical biographies. I have given up reading fiction. So focus on non-fiction. I am just contemplating what to take for reading during my trips. 

I also love writing and painting - This helps me develop my patience. 

@Vanessa5How are you? 

All the best @Adek @eudemonism @Appleblossom @Former-Member @Vanessa5

Content/trigger warning

[A2Z]

Hi @Adek It is good that you enjoy and look forward to the next meeting. 

Did you share a link for defense mechanisms in another post? I thought I saw it. 

I was up until late and found place that makes raw cakes. It tasted good but I did not like dehydrated coconut in it. I bet fresh coconut would have been better. The birthday girl loved it and some thought it was amazing. I can only give a 3 start 🙂

They use almonds instead of flours and other nuts and fruits. 

Cheers 🙂 All the best for the weekend.