How do you sleep when you are aware of the horrors of reality?

[FRV]

'Knowledge Protects'. But it has to be applied to do so.

Yes, there is a difference between learning something but not integrating it and acquired knowledge, putting into practice what you learn

 

[Alejo]

Yes, there is a difference between learning something but not integrating it and acquired knowledge, putting into practice what you learn

definitely,

Part of that application is to find ways to navigate reality in a manner that doesn't overwhelm our senses, or our emotional stability. And I think some of that is related to combing through our traumatic experiences so that we may heal and move on. Perhaps that's another avenue you should explore, therapy and other methods of healing the pain that makes it overwhelming to become acquainted with certain information.

 

[FRV]

definitely,

Part of that application is to find ways to navigate reality in a manner that doesn't overwhelm our senses, or our emotional stability. And I think some of that is related to combing through our traumatic experiences so that we may heal and move on. Perhaps that's another avenue you should explore, therapy and other methods of healing the pain that makes it overwhelming to become acquainted with certain information.

Yes I agree and I have spent 14+ healing trauma (while also experiencing more trauma on top, it's been a doozy)

I have been in and out of many types of different therapy including talk therapy, CBT, group, addiction therapy, detox, somatic, and have worked with spiritual mentors on this

I was (and am again) doing really well, but I don't think I realized how stressed I was when I got physically assaulted on Christmas plus consuming too much news. I think some repressed/unconscious fear programming that was ready to heal and be released came to the surface when I was posting this thread

But regardless, I don't have to do it alone and am going to continue to seek support and help especially since I realized what I'm experiencing are intrusive thoughts.

I've also been more diligent with my psychic hygiene (cleansing, protection, grounding) and am facing my cannabis addiction again (day 8, whohoo!! This felt impossible at one point). Once I removed the abusive family member, I was able to stop using cannabis to cope which has helped me sleep and reduced anxiety so I'm not feeling as much horror before bed and when I do I surround myself with golden light and remind myself that TRUTH is not all darkness (I think you mentioned that Alejo)

 

[Alejo]

I've also been more diligent with my psychic hygiene (cleansing, protection, grounding) and am facing my cannabis addiction again (day 8, whohoo!! This felt impossible at one point). Once I removed the abusive family member, I was able to stop using cannabis to cope which has helped me sleep and reduced anxiety so I'm not feeling as much horror before bed and when I do I surround myself with golden light and remind myself that TRUTH is not all darkness (I think you mentioned that Alejo)

I'm glad to learn this, keep it up! and if you need any feedback, we're always here.

I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now, the idea that if love is light is knowledge, and knowledge is everywhere and in everything, and we can see information in everything, then we're surrounded by love. It's so simple, and it may seem logical and self evident, but when you think about it.. it kind of blows your mind, I know it did mine.

Whenever I've felt lonely, or depressed, or like a hopeless case of whatever might intrude into my own perception of myself, I have always noticed that none of those times I had ever considered that idea, we're surrounded by love, and not just a passive love, or a feeling, although sometimes yes, but something active that in a way knows and wishes the best upon us. I figured I'd share that just in case it may help you whenever you're having a hard time.

 

[loreta]

But regardless, I don't have to do it alone and am going to continue to seek support and help especially since I realized what I'm experiencing are intrusive thoughts.

No, you are not alone and then with good will, change can happen, that's for sure. Thomas Merton said that when we know that something we are doing is not right, what we must do is to stop doing it. When intrusive thoughts come, you can pray. Take deep breaths, study carefully the mechanism of these thoughts and what they produce in your body, your energy. And say no.

I noticed recently that when I read about Gaza, the horrors of Gaza there was love in me. It is out of love that I read about Gaza. It's like praying. I am always surprised by the horror, but I let it pass, my heart leaps, but then I let love invade me. In this, there is discipline, too. I also control what I watch on the Internet. Once again discipline. 20 years ago, I threw my TV in the trash, for the simple reason that it sucked my energy. And at night I sleep well, I also take Melatonin.

Every morning I laugh for 15 minutes with Laughter Yoga, whether I am sad or not, whether my body hurts or not, it is a discipline that I have been doing for more than 5 years, and it boosts my energy of joy. Then I go outside with my dog, whether it rains or not, because this outing gives me joy. You have to go towards what gives you joy, which is a virtue, I believe. Joy is light that feels good. It is an inner sun of incredible strength. Once again, it requires discipline.

Be certain that with this notion that love is present everywhere, as Alejo says so well, the vision of what surrounds you will change. And your inner vision too, dear friend.