Recovery from Abusive Groups Page 32
Exercise- Learning to Recognize Signals
Write down the answers to the following questions: What does your physical
body need to survive (example: air, water)? What signals does your body send
when it does not get enough of each one? What signals does your body send
when it does get enough of each one?
What does your mind need to be healthy(example: stimulation, discipline, rest)?
What signals does your mind send when it does not get enough of each one?
What signals does your mind send when it does get enough of each one?
What does your heart (soul) need to be healthy (example: security, love,
forgiveness)? What signals does your heart /soul) send when it does not get
enough of each one? What signals does your heart /soul) send when it does get
enough of each one?
Emotions as Feedback Systems
As your emotions thaw and you learn to become more aware of them and what
they're telling you, you can use your emotions to identify stress-inducing
situations. You can then respond to that feedback in ways that will reduce stress
and enrich your life. Sadness, jealousy, laughter, amusement are all telling you
things about different parts of yourself. As you learn to listen and then reflect
upon what your feelings are trying to tell you about your needs, you can then
integrate that information into a more whole you. As you learn what you need,
you can take action to make sure you are getting enough of what it takes to
meet those needs.
Look but Don't Touch
I have also had to accept that there are songs, scriptures, places, and situations
that I should avoid when I'm under stress, tired, or blue.
These situations have too much potential to disorient me. By learning to monitor
and moderate stress, I have usually been able to identify and avoid stress levels
that bring on floating and flashback incidents.
I would also talk about what I was feeling with family and friends. Talking
seemed to help defuse a floating incident and release anxiety. Remember the
buddy system? Let your friends help you and don't be afraid or too embarrassed
to ask for help!
Uncontrolled Floating
This is a very serious situation and does happen to some people, especially
those from cults which use extensive meditation. When this happens to you, like
emergency first aid, grab someone and start talking about what's going on
inside your head. Talk, don't isolate yourself.
Get professional help immediately, if available, or as soon as possible.
Counseling can be done over the phone or in person. An exit counselor or ex-
cultist may best be able to help you sort through the problem. You are not
alone. You are not crazy. You have been traumatized.
Exercise- Learning to Recognize Signals
Write down the answers to the following questions: What does your physical
body need to survive (example: air, water)? What signals does your body send
when it does not get enough of each one? What signals does your body send
when it does get enough of each one?
What does your mind need to be healthy(example: stimulation, discipline, rest)?
What signals does your mind send when it does not get enough of each one?
What signals does your mind send when it does get enough of each one?
What does your heart (soul) need to be healthy (example: security, love,
forgiveness)? What signals does your heart /soul) send when it does not get
enough of each one? What signals does your heart /soul) send when it does get
enough of each one?
Emotions as Feedback Systems
As your emotions thaw and you learn to become more aware of them and what
they're telling you, you can use your emotions to identify stress-inducing
situations. You can then respond to that feedback in ways that will reduce stress
and enrich your life. Sadness, jealousy, laughter, amusement are all telling you
things about different parts of yourself. As you learn to listen and then reflect
upon what your feelings are trying to tell you about your needs, you can then
integrate that information into a more whole you. As you learn what you need,
you can take action to make sure you are getting enough of what it takes to
meet those needs.
Look but Don't Touch
I have also had to accept that there are songs, scriptures, places, and situations
that I should avoid when I'm under stress, tired, or blue.
These situations have too much potential to disorient me. By learning to monitor
and moderate stress, I have usually been able to identify and avoid stress levels
that bring on floating and flashback incidents.
I would also talk about what I was feeling with family and friends. Talking
seemed to help defuse a floating incident and release anxiety. Remember the
buddy system? Let your friends help you and don't be afraid or too embarrassed
to ask for help!
Uncontrolled Floating
This is a very serious situation and does happen to some people, especially
those from cults which use extensive meditation. When this happens to you, like
emergency first aid, grab someone and start talking about what's going on
inside your head. Talk, don't isolate yourself.
Get professional help immediately, if available, or as soon as possible.
Counseling can be done over the phone or in person. An exit counselor or ex-
cultist may best be able to help you sort through the problem. You are not
alone. You are not crazy. You have been traumatized.
