Mindfulness
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (185292)
Boise, Idaho
February 7, 2026 4:52pm CST
I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. I have taken many ant-depressants over the years and now I have reached a time when none help that much anymore, and I just have to be careful. My last diagnosis was in the early 2000's and was extreme depression with panic attacks. I am very sensitive to anxiety. The PTSD I used to suffer from also has lessened over the last 30 years.
I keep my life very simple and I don't socialize a lot. I am thankful to have the internet and Mylot for my social outings. But there is also one very strong element that I utilize that I would like to share. It is called mindfulness. This is where I am very present in the moment. If I feel some anxiety rising or feel more depressed that usual, I use this to stabilize myself. It is something you have to work on to perfect. It is being completely present and aware of my thoughts, feeling and even my surroundings. Don't let other thoughts come in.
It begins with some yoga-type breathing. In through the nose and out through the mouth. (Just realizing that I need to breathe is a help when I get really bad) I find my "happy place" in my mind, and I go there. I don't let scary or negative thoughts come in. No. I am thinking about all the different angles of my happy place. (It is a dune with the sea just a few feet away) I am thinking of the sounds and of the soft sand. I am thinking of the shells and the smells. I am thinking of all the aspects I can think of since I am nowhere near an ocean.
There is no self-criticism if I can't redirect myself enough at first. It can take time to reach my happy place and be there completely. I have to try hard to remove myself from the moment that is causing the anxiety. Remove myself from the tingling finger tips, aching head, stomach pain, and negative feelings. Breathing helps. Keep breathing in and out. Be at the dunes in my mind and before I know it I am okay.
I am trying to learn to be more positive in my thoughts too and this is very helpful.
Do you practice mindfulness? It is a nice way to start the day off.
5 people like this
5 responses
@celticeagle (185292)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb
I think it is important to be aware of yourself in times of stress and anxiety.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (371356)
• Rockingham, Australia
20h
@celticeagle I am sure it helps. I find myself saying over and over 'I can do this, I can do this'.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (213354)
• United States
8 Feb
I'm glad you've found a solution. I don't do any meditating or anything like that. I'm fortunate that medication controls the imbalance in my brain chemistry.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (185292)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb
It sure does help. Especially if I get real bad.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (185292)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb
It is very good for a person, I think. Being aware of their emotions and how they are feeling.
@RebeccasFarm (91212)
• United States
8 Feb
I do not practice this particular method.
I do go outside though and breath and look at trees.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (33871)
• United Kingdom
7 Feb
I can't say I practice it deliberately like that. I do try to be more present in the moment, for example when I'm going for a walk in the woods, and not just thinking of all the things I need to do afterwards, what's for dinner etc.
Glad it works for you.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (185292)
• Boise, Idaho
9 Feb
I am sure glad I have this as an option when I need help calming myself.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (33871)
• United Kingdom
19h
@celticeagle I think working on things with your hands is also a good way of centring oneself in the moment. Also playing music.
