Mindful

I’ve been home all day.
I’ve been mindful and still 
Listening to the radio with the fire lit uncharacteristically early. 
Donna Ockenden an interesting listen on Desert Island Discs)
And then reading on my bed, 
Not a novel but an interesting study of the treatment of PTSD.
I fell asleep for an hour and woke with the Welsh curled up either side of me and the twins at my feet with paws tucked under them making them look like egg sitting hens. 
I’ve always been moved by the animals’ need to sit with me

Tonight I’ve made noodle soup with ramen stock, chicken and pak choi, and the cottage feels toasty with the limestone walls warmed by the roaring log burner
The Welsh are sleeping. 
And the twins are in the bathroom play fighting in the shower cubical

 

49 comments:

  1. Home..with good company.
    Can't fault that x

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  2. Thank you for sharing that peaceful scene. X

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  3. Anonymous8:03 pm

    Very cozy gigi

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  4. Sounds like a lovely, well-spent day.

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  5. Jayjay8:22 pm

    PTSD book? If this is for your counselling then, gentle advice, you need to learn to walk before you can run John, and remember that counselling is not psychiatry.

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    1. I had a client with Undiagnosed complex PTSD recently who I referred on to the mental health team . I felt obliged to look into the subject and im glad i did
      Perhaps you may have forgotton that im still a registered psychiatric nurse and have seen the disorder many times in my spinal injury nursing. I intend to specialise in PTSD Eventually but need more training in the subject

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    2. Anonymous9:07 pm

      I think it is important for people to be aware of PTSD in its many forms, there is lots of information available Sometimes people talk loudly, laugh too loudly cry or become aggressive and particularly when working with with and being a parent to children you realise that being interested and kind often goes some way in reassuring the victim that you care . You do not need to be a counsellor to understand and be empathetic towards others

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    3. The varied care of World War One veterans saw the first serious treatment of PTSD
      I saw many spinal injuried men and women who exhibited many of the symptoms outlined and I will always cherish working with a psychologist called Kim for a decade with such patients

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    4. Anonymous9:18 pm

      Jayjay
      Is a bit of a know all asshole …John is in his sixties, a grown professional nurse and counsellor , he knows his limitations and doesn’t have to express them in every post.

      Ffs
      Lee

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    5. Jayjay10:17 pm

      Thank you John. That's fine of course. To clarify, it was your comment 'undiagnosed PTSD' which concerned me, as you appeared to imply it was you doing the 'diagnosing'. In addition, one does not need a mental health qualification or experience to be a counsellor. Indeed, being such can be a problem if prior know-how is not unchecked. My advice was gentle advice, meant well.

      Lee, just a gentle reminder to you that, as a 'grown professional nurse and counsellor', that John perhaps does not need you jumping in to 'defend' him. Perhaps some self-reflection of your own would not be remiss? This might help you to unpick some of your displaced aggression.

      I visited this blog and commented in order to make a thoughtful and well-intentioned contribution. Alas, this was not received kindly or with the open-minded maturity I expected. I won't be commenting or visiting again.

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    6. What concerns me is where YOU are coming from? an anon commentator has no credence
      I suspect you have counselling experience of sorts so will surely know I have a qualified and experienced supervisor as well as a mentor at my counselling centre
      Both concurred with my inking that PTSD was the issue and that a referral on was the way forward

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    7. Anonymous10:34 pm

      The final comment that you will not be commenting again has been made several times by trolls btw
      I want you to note that I know that

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    8. Anonymous10:35 pm

      That was Lee

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    9. Jay Jay
      You need to prove who u are for credibility
      Sorry

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  6. Regarding the comment above, it never ceases to amaze how many people feel qualified to advise you, John, on how to run your life! I very much like how YOU choose to run it.
    Love the word picture of the bed scene!

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    1. Im not upset by the advice, ive explained my stance on the subject xx

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    2. Anonymous9:19 pm

      Sorry John , but I’ve said my piece

      Leex

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    3. lol as ways dear Lee

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  7. I want to move into your cottage! Dozing by the fire with a kitty on my lap. A warm and cosy scene of a day well spent. xx

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  8. I’ve come over from local kiwi alien. I too like being in my house living in simple bliss. I too grew up in a house with lots of yelling and to this day I don’t like hearing loud voices. I will come back again. I just need to find the follow button

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  9. That sounds like good soup and good things all around.

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    1. I put lots of chilli in the soup ,it warms nicely

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  10. Barbara Anne9:16 pm

    What a blissful day you and the family have had together. How sweet it is!

    Hugs!

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  11. Anonymous9:45 pm

    Just heavenly John, what a glorious way to spend a day. Jan in Castle Gresley

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  12. Anonymous9:56 pm

    Ah, quiet days at home are so rejuvenating. And I love the image of the twins play fighting.

    Hope you have a lovely week.

    Ceci

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  13. What a lovely thing to wake up to, cuddle buddies. 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐕🐕

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  14. You have a very happy and content home. All is well.

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  15. I have always wondered what folk meant by mindfulness. Now I know. It's lying on a bed with two Welsh terriers and a couple of kittens after consuming a bowl of noodles.

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  16. Jackie12:27 am

    Another wonderful image you have painted with words. I love days like this- mindful, contented and restful days.

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  17. The Welsh and the twins. Sounds like a great way to wake up from a slumber.

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  18. Sounds like a perfect day; one I would enjoy too; other than your reading matter!

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  19. A restful and refreshing day to balance life. It's so good the way animals love to sleep or rest close to their pack. That must strengthen their bonds and help them to relax too. I suppose humans are like it too as we really need to be interacting with others sometimes to feel good. Unlike the terrible Covid times.

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  20. I found the Ockendon interview hard to listen to , but it also gave me hope that we had such a caring professional carrying out such an important review.
    She has set a high standard of emotional intelligence for others to take note .

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  21. Just imagining you and the gang all cosy makes me smile.

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  22. Snuggle up and enjoy the day as often as you can. I made chicken noodle soup on Sunday.

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  23. Sounds like you are creating a nice balance of work, fun with friends, and peaceful times, John. xo

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  24. Anonymous10:32 pm

    You have a wonderful life John Gray.

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes