Thoughts From Beyond the Paddock: Your Mind and Body are One, and You Must Take Care of them Both

“Hello darkness, my old friend

I’ve come to talk with you again

Because a vision softly creeping

Left its seeds while I was sleeping

And the vision that was planted in my brain

Still remains

Within the sound of silence”

The Sound of Silence

Song by Simon & Garfunkel (1964)

Garfunkel once stated that the song is about people’s inability to communicate, especially emotionally, and essentially the song is about how humanity lost their voices to share love, empathy, and sorrow.  

This hit right in the heart.

Many men and women have experienced trauma in their lives, that is where many strong voices seem to falter. I’ve personally known of two people, within the last month, that have had life altering and traumatic experiences. And this is my ‘I love you and I’m here for you’ article for them.

My darlings, talk. Pull your tribe in close and talk. Tell stories, talk about your good and bad moments, speak up about the nearly unspeakable moments. Don’t isolate yourself. Please. There is a place you need to maintain in this world.

Don’t let the grief sweep you away. Meditate, deep breathing, calming visualizations, walk or do yoga. Find your calm center. Nurture it.

Like any good mother, I’m telling you to eat and drink your water. Please do not neglect the physical needs of your body. Your mind and your body are one, and you must take care of them both.

Stay away from the stuff that will only serve to make your trauma more difficult to face. No alcohol, no drugs, no tobacco. Only the best for the best from this moment forward! And the former three are not it.

Get out of the house! Do not, I repeat, DO NOT isolate.

I know I said this before, and it is important enough to be stated again. Go for walks, be in nature, see the beauty that exists. YOU are part of that beauty. Do acts of kindness within the community, find a new sense of meaning for your life…and what better way to help yourself than to help others.

And for those who are wondering how to uplift your friend or partner in need, it’s simple. Listen. Not just hear the words, but LISTEN. Ask questions on how to better help them. Be accepting of their feelings. The conversations may make you uncomfortable, but that’s okay. The important thing is being emotionally and physically present for your friend or partner.  

Lastly, to those who are hurting. I am available, I see you and your pain, and I am here to help in any way I can.

I’ve attached a link for any additional questions…

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events