I have been imagining a dome with an Eco-System where thunder storms can be brought on cue. There is a huge pond with a pier like structure. The pier opens up as a view point which has a roof to give shelter. In the centre is an environmentally friendly fire to keep everyone warm.
It is easy for the remote controlled wheelchair and beds to travel out to the view point. Everyone who wants to go heads onto the pier out to the shelter view point.
There is a crack in the sky, a few seconds later a roll of thunder and then the tap tap tap, splodge splodge of rain drops on the roof of the shelter. As everyone gathers, together in silence, some have closed their eyes listening to the different taps, thuds, and splashes from the rain. Others look out to the pond and see the raining falling, some see fish jump, a newt or eel just below the surface. There's another zig zag in the sky as the lighting shows up in all of it's ferocity, shortly after there is the grumbling and crack as if the world is coming in from the thunder. Mesmerised by the raging storm outside, everyone peacefully settle together with the feeling of so much calm and stillness, just observing the storm and letting it be. The fire gives off a warm glow, gently dancing and reminding everyone this storm will pass.
Like our symptoms, they may rage on, deep inside we can find that place within ourselves to steady ourselves as we ride out the storm.
Each drop of rain, every tap and tinkle allows us let go of the urge to resist or fight our symptoms. We let go of the storm and settle into our view point where there is stillness, peace and shelter as the storm rages on and does what it needs to to clear the sky. The crackle of the fire, reminding us it's safe to let go and to let the storm be, that there is that calm or stillness within us that will help us to weather what is going on. Huddled silently together not owing anyone anything, not even ourselves, we sink deeper into calm steadiness just like the deep pond below us, which is ticking along un-moved by the storm above.
Individual ear pieces give each of us the affirmations we need to hear at that time. Whether it's,
"Your body, as it is right now, is healing"
"Your body is shifting and clearing, bringing itself back into balance"
"Your strength in keeping going in the face of what feels like such futility is remarkable - keep going you can find things that work for you"
"You can go deep into relaxation even though symptoms are strong."
"Only focus on what you've to do today, or the next 5 minutes"
"Kindness is letting yourself be in this moment - suspend future or past thinking for 5, 10, 20 minutes."
"Know you are more than this illness and rest in who you really are"
"You are ok as you are, all your emotions, struggles and reactions to this illness are normal, in fact, surviving it is a miracle - recognise your achievement!"
"Savour the good, the simplest of things"
"Appreciate yourself for being to carry on, even when it feels unbearable, it's a tough invisible battle you fight well"
"Recognise the small achievements - they are far bigger than you think"
"Feel where the air in your nasal passage goes from cold to warm"
"All thoughts are like clouds, passing through and passing on, let them pass through"
"Rest and wellness is coming, this storm will pass"
Settled the storm carries on, we let it be together. Allowing the sounds/sights to carry us deeper within ourselves and carry us through to the other side...
