In need of some assistance

[sairie]

Hello all – been nudged toward letting this out, (thank you, Perceval, for your encouragement), but, before doing so, just a personal note to please take heed that my grammar and punctuation are not the best.

Just as daily life, for all too many of us, is getting more and more difficult to keep up with, let alone manage (and we are forced to get really creative in order to just get by), I'm in a predicament with very little means to provide for even the most basic of things that enable one to survive and keep one healthy.

My partner is the sole provider in our household (and has been for quite awhile now, as I'm unemployed and looking for work) and is doing his best to keep the two of us (as well as my one-and-only fir-man-cat, Butch) alive and healthy.

As the figurative walls close in upon us, increasingly difficult circumstances have descended upon us (and continue to do so), such that our capability of coping is wearing thin, even to the point of not being able to speculate when we might be able to get our heads above water high enough to be able to obtain some essential health ingredients, such as vitamin/mineral supplements.

As unfortunate as it is, I know that others in the general population are, at this time, facing far worse (so many are homeless with no one to care about what happens to them) and that socio-economic/political/geographical conditions are worsening by the second (this is the USA, after all), but, at this time, the 3 of us are struggling greatly and are seeking some 3D support in anyway, if at all possible.

This year, we both have been transitioning toward full application of the Ketogenic diet, but my 3D body has experienced some trouble as of late; during the beginning stages, I had felt calmer, with increased energy and clearer thinking, but now I am no longer experiencing this.

Also, another concern is that my original weight of 106lbs has decreased to 86lbs. Secondly, sleeplessness (insomnia) afflicts daily, and now am always tired mentally/physically, doing E.E. calms but gives me no sleep. While regular melatonin use has helped us both greatly, we have been out of it for a while now. Also, this is not helped by my joints that are just about always sore and stiffen easily.


I have not decreased the portion size or the frequency of meals, and, normally, we only have filtered, distilled water straight up (sometimes with lemon or lime juice added), or use it to make tea (black or green), coffee for my partner.

I am also curious about the test kits discussed here on the forum: just how important are they in successfully applying the Ketogenic diet? Also, we would like to know whether everyone, or the majority, have read books on it prior to starting, or at least at the same time they start.

We have wanted to buy some of the recommended books that deal with Narcissism, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Psychopathology, since we suspect that a few of my programs are a result of being subjected to the abusive and traumatizing influence of my pathological mother (narcissistic, possibly psychotic). Sadly, I'm one of those who lose all focus, desire, and concentration when trying to read a book on a computer, something which typically results in receiving severe eyestrain and headaches.

Without access to the needed reading materials, as we both recognize a large impediment to the developing of improved coping skills and being sufficiently equipped with effectively working through and allowing release from the programs and triggers layered within my psyche and, the potential benefits to be obtained from learning and applying knowledge and techniques in books like those mentioned above; which, would help build greater self-confidence within, bolstering and enhancing capability of effectively participating in forum discussions.

Overall, with some support, breaking some negative feedback loops (insomnia, extreme self-analysis, internal considering, etc.) may be made possible. Please realize, that, personally speaking, I am feeling a bit of heavy fraying, (in the matter of providing for what we all need), and my partner is having to face some CRAZY stress from his job, translates to increased stress on us all (to add to everything, like icing on the cake). And we are seeing the effects of our empty vitamin and mineral supplements supply in each other, as well. I think my partner is the stronger one, but I'm seeing his strength and fortitude to carry on as usual waning.

Yet, we are very grateful to still be together with Butch, even after all that he has recently been through at his age – he is a tough as nails kind of cat. (And it was a wonderful treat the DCM gave us, 4 tomato plants for $1.50 several months back, some summer fun, to grow out on the back step which have now grown taller than my partner and he’s 5’11…there are quite a few green little tomatoes and flowers on them).

Also, we are both FOTCM members now, even if it did take some time to make the membership for us both. And, yes, thankfully (so grateful to SOTT, Forum Community, FOTCM, QFG, Translators/Transcribers, Laura, Ark, and family, fur-kids included), we have the Forum and SOTT to enhance Spiritual Well Being, keep us informed and, for some time now, we continue having daily long discussions together on what we find. This Spiritual bond may be much more than what others have, and FOR THIS WE ARE SO VERY GRATEFUL! And even if, like at the present moment, we don’t have laundry soap or quarters to wash our laundry, we still have enough clean clothes to wear, do still give each other hugs when needed, and laugh like Larry, Moe and Curly as often as we can.

We are also keeping in mind what the Cs have said on the Wave, its possible full-blown arrival time frame (June/July, 2014…although my partner swears that we might, quite possibly, already be feeling/experiencing some of the effects on an individual basis), possible incoming effects, and that some of what we’re going through might just very well be left-over profile lessons yet to be learned, utilized, and/or released. Also, we daily ask with trust for the Divine Cosmic Mind (DCM) to provide us with what we are in need of, by and through whatever means.

We realize we need to use vigilance to read the signs of the times, and allow for DCM to provide, without worry or anticipation. DCM, (Who delights in seeing us filled with an abundance of knowledge, courage, wave-riding skills, and the enjoyment in the utilization of it all) is completely unlike my parents and siblings. My partner and I are very glad that I was able to sever all ties and communication with them years ago (because of their toxic influences).

Thank you to those who have read this, as it perhaps may be a bit long and a bit rambling.

 

[Carl]

I'm very sorry to hear about what you're going through right now NinaMosi. I'm sure many of us are in the same boat, or heading there pretty quickly in this economy. I'm sure you're doing everything you can to find some employment, but are there specific jobs that you are looking for, and could you possibly widen your search net? Even a minimum wage job can be a great help.

Which supplements, specifically, are you looking for? I've noticed on this diet that the body's need for supplements diminishes significantly, and I'm generally left using a few basics such as magnesium and potassium.

Where are you currently at with the diet, are you both fully into the ketogenic style, or are you still moving towards it? I ask because eating generally becomes a lot less expensive once you have it all figured out - i.e. Sausage meat+eggs for breakfast, broth for lunch, 1 pork chop+lard for dinner. Buying from an organic, free range butcher can be even cheaper, as they'll often happily give you bones and diced fat for free (which is where the real nutrients are hiding).
The sore joints issue in particular is a big red flag pointing to an unresolved dietary issue, such as some hidden form of gluten, dairy etc.

How often are you doing the EE program, and do you both do it together? Doing the full program too often, particularly the breatha portion, could contribute to insomnia. Doing it together with someone else seems to boost it's effects, and particularly listening to the prayer together before bed may help with sleep.

Have you considered that the insomnia and weight loss may be very strongly linked? What time do you usually try to get to bed, and do you sleep in a fully blacked out room, with WiFi and phones switched off? Becoming reliant on melatonin for sleep may not be the best idea either, and that could possibly be contributing to the insomnia. Are you drinking any tea after around 5-6 PM?

Still wanting to learn about and work on your own psychology and programs, while going through all this, is very admirable. Maybe you could afford an old, second hand kindle for reading PDFs? You may want to focus as much as possible on getting the basics sorted though, especially if you're the type who is very sensitive to stress. Personally I struggle to sit down and read when I know that I'm in an awful economic situation that needs immediate attention.

The tomato plants sound really cool, but if you are eating them, they may be contributing to the joint pain, among other things.

Just some questions/suggestions :). Your post wasn't too long or rambling for me, and you should know that despite the troubles, a fun a positive attitude shines through in your writing style. Good luck in improving your situation, and welcome to the FCM.

 

[Voyageur]

I am also sorry to hear the economic effects are taking a toll on you both, NinaMosi, and it can, and is for many, hard to find meaningful items of need that help under these difficult conditions.

When talking about your weight loss, joints etc. have you had an opportunity to have your iron levels checked; you may have discussed this on the Hemochromatosis thread and i've just missed this? Also, further, as Carlisle was suggesting about the Tomato plants, for some, they are a nightshade that adds to inflammation, or so i've read here.

Indeed your post was just fine contrary to what you might have thought, so keep seeking out these matters here if you can, and if you want, as you may not realize how the exchanges can offer something not yet seen.

By the way, welcome to FOTCM to you both! :)

 

[Buddy]

Hi NinaMosi.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation but I'm glad you are holding your head up and focusing on the positive values in your life. I can relate to your situation. In the past, I've been in such poor circumstances that I chose to walk around town, focusing on parking lots, collecting cigarette butts to smoke - then and for later.

Do you have access to Meetings With Remarkable Men? If so, there is a chapter that might interest you entitled The Material Question.

Gurdjieff has come to America to meet with some wealthy people for the purpose of persuading them to invest in his aim so that he can continue his work:

Dr. B, the proprietor of a large, fashionable sanatorium, who had the reputation of being a practical man, suddenly turned to Mr. Gurdjieff with the following question:

'Could you tell us, sir, what are the means by which your Institute exists and approximately what is its annual budget?'

To our surprise, Mr. Gurdjieff's answer to this question took the form of a long narrative.

In the next 49 pages Gurdjieff told his story beginning with a description of his own childhood education and proceeding through his entire life up to that point. He talked about all the ways he made money and listed so many things that can be made, altered or repaired, that I haven't yet bothered to count them all.

My point, though, is that a person can read this chapter and come away with a realization that Gurdjieff just outlined, and filled in with his own experience, a plan that anyone can use for their own benefit regardless of where they are or how bad the economy is, since people will always continue to trade for whatever is important to them.

So, the question might be: what kinds of things can your partner do, or what might he be willing to learn to do? What kinds of things can you do, and what might you be willing to learn to do? What do you know about the community, the city, the countryside, the region where you live in the way that Gurdjieff described how he knew what kind of business would do well?

You don't actually have to answer, just let it all roll around in your head and see if some creative juices get stimulated. I think they will. :)

 

[Forrestdeva]

I am so sorry for your strife in this crashing economy. We have struggled and have had to make hard decisions as well. I gave up my health insurance a few years back, had to as it was just too high to make ends meet. We gave up unnecessary things like air freshener, expensive tooth paste, expensive shampoo...etc. Backing soda with a splash of peroxide is better for your teeth anyway.
I had to stop and take a hard look at what I thought was really important as far as what we'd buy at the store. Stuff is just stuff, it can neither make you happy or keep you alive, other than food. We focused on a garden and being able to share extra food with neighbors.
Some how everything just works and I seldom fret over what tomorrow will bring. I'd started making dog clothing about seven years ago and it does bring in around $300. a month. Finding what people want that do have money and providing that service to them is a big plus for me. I'm cash poor most of the time, but somehow am always able to donate to animal rescue groups and animal shelters in terms of clothing for cats and dogs to assist them in looking cute to be adopted. Find your talent, find the people who need what you can do and share, being of service to others, and you will thrive.

 

[Laura]

Actually, what would be really useful in determining if anybody could do anything other than offer health advice and moral support, would be to know what area you live in, what kind of job your partner does and how secure is it, what your skills are, and whether or not you are in a position to relocate, etc.

If that sort of information were available for all the people in FOTCM who were in similar positions, it might be possible to organize some sort of operation. But, of course, that should be discussed on the FOTCM forum.

 

[sairie]

Actually, what would be really useful in determining if anybody could do anything other than offer health advice and moral support, would be to know what area you live in, what kind of job your partner does and how secure is it, what your skills are, and whether or not you are in a position to relocate, etc.

If that sort of information were available for all the people in FOTCM who were in similar positions, it might be possible to organize some sort of operation. But, of course, that should be discussed on the FOTCM forum.

Thank you Laura, I have done as you suggested - here is the link: http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php?topic=32309.0.

 

[angelburst29]

Just as daily life, for all too many of us, is getting more and more difficult to keep up with, let alone manage (and we are forced to get really creative in order to just get by), I'm in a predicament with very little means to provide for even the most basic of things that enable one to survive and keep one healthy.

My partner is the sole provider in our household (and has been for quite awhile now, as I'm unemployed and looking for work) and is doing his best to keep the two of us (as well as my one-and-only fir-man-cat, Butch) alive and healthy.

Hi Nina,

In reading about your circumstances, I see no indication (at least they weren't mentioned) as to what measures you have initiated in creative ability to help the predicament you find yourself in? You state that you have been unemployed for quite awhile now, while your partner has been sole provider, who often has the option of working from home. Have you ever considered part or full time employment as a waitress or working in a grocery or retail store? Hospital's and nursing homes always have openings in the various department's, especially in the kitchen and laundry sections. Animal shelters often hire - full or part time help. Have you checked any Temp Employment Agency's in your area for a listing of temporary jobs/ with the option of hiring? Do you have any hobbies or skills that can be transformed into an income, working from home? Have you ever considered collecting stray soda cans and cashing them at a recycling plant? Granted, collecting cans won't make you a millionaire but you'll be able to get your "one-and-only fir-man-cat, Butch" - a few boxes of Kiddle's & Bit's or Meow Mix and few extra dollars to spend on food.


As the figurative walls close in upon us, increasingly difficult circumstances have descended upon us (and continue to do so), such that our capability of coping is wearing thin, even to the point of not being able to speculate when we might be able to get our heads above water high enough to be able to obtain some essential health ingredients, such as vitamin/mineral supplements.

In any Partnership, both have to contribute to the relationship to keep it flowing. So far, your partner has been the financial backing to keep you afloat. In which way do you contribute to the relationship, other than a companion, to alleviate the "increasingly difficult circumstances" that have descended upon you?

As unfortunate as it is, I know that others in the general population are, at this time, facing far worse (so many are homeless with no one to care about what happens to them) and that socio-economic/political/geographical conditions are worsening by the second (this is the USA, after all), but, at this time, the 3 of us are struggling greatly and are seeking some 3D support in anyway, if at all possible.

If you haven't already, have you considered "lower-income-housing" or a cheaper apartment to help ends meet? Have you checked into Food Pantries in your area or local charities that offer temporary assistance in the form of food vouchers or assistance towards rent? All are options including applying for Welfare.

Also, another concern is that my original weight of 106lbs has decreased to 86lbs. Secondly, sleeplessness (insomnia) afflicts daily, and now am always tired mentally/physically, doing E.E. calms but gives me no sleep. While regular melatonin use has helped us both greatly, we have been out of it for a while now. Also, this is not helped by my joints that are just about always sore and stiffen easily.

Daily exercise and movement can help towards sleeplessness, plus sore and stiff joints.

We have wanted to buy some of the recommended books that deal with Narcissism, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Psychopathology, since we suspect that a few of my programs are a result of being subjected to the abusive and traumatizing influence of my pathological mother (narcissistic, possibly psychotic). Sadly, I'm one of those who lose all focus, desire, and concentration when trying to read a book on a computer, something which typically results in receiving severe eyestrain and headaches.

Sometimes, it's not what you do but how you go about it. The computer gives you a way and means, which is already available to you - to search the forum, which contains alot of the information offered in the recommended books. I would also suggest, reading Laura's book, "Amazing Grace" which is available on this site. Break you computer viewing time down to confortable segments - half hour to an hour at a time or whatever.

Without access to the needed reading materials, as we both recognize a large impediment to the developing of improved coping skills and being sufficiently equipped with effectively working through and allowing release from the programs and triggers layered within my psyche and, the potential benefits to be obtained from learning and applying knowledge and techniques in books like those mentioned above; which, would help build greater self-confidence within, bolstering and enhancing capability of effectively participating in forum discussions.

In a real sense, you do have access to all the reading materials - located within the Forum topic's. The books are an added plus and for futher study.

Please realize, that, personally speaking, I am feeling a bit of heavy fraying, (in the matter of providing for what we all need), and my partner is having to face some CRAZY stress from his job, translates to increased stress on us all (to add to everything, like icing on the cake). And we are seeing the effects of our empty vitamin and mineral supplements supply in each other, as well. I think my partner is the stronger one, but I'm seeing his strength and fortitude to carry on as usual waning.

It's understandable, how your partner would be stressed with the uncertainty of losing his job, through no fault of his own, due to company reorganization. Plus carrying the work load and financial responsibility in keeping your household functioning. Even more reason, to give you incentive, in finding a part or full time job to help stabilize the situation. Have you considered, the "what-if" if he does get pinked slipped at work? He may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation but it is only a fraction of his take home pay and then what? It may only be enough for him to live on - by himself - and the extra stress of him in his continued support of you and the cat - forces him to take "to the highway and exit?" How do you support yourself, then?

Yet, we are very grateful to still be together with Butch, even after all that he has recently been through at his age – he is a tough as nails kind of cat.

Forgive me - if I'm comprehending this wrong but the impression I'm getting, "Is that the cat is more important in your life, than your partner who is supporting the both of you?" Maybe, I'm reading this wrong? "After all that he has recently been through at his age" like what? I love and am very fond of animals but where does your partner fit in - considering he's the financial means by which that cat is fed?

This Spiritual bond may be much more than what others have, and FOR THIS WE ARE SO VERY GRATEFUL! And even if, like at the present moment, we don’t have laundry soap or quarters to wash our laundry, we still have enough clean clothes to wear, do still give each other hugs when needed, and laugh like Larry, Moe and Curly as often as we can.

I would like to suggest something I do myself and have for the last couple of years, since an accident placed me on Disability, dropping me to one-third of the income I made at work because it was issued before the required Retirement age. I wash most of my clothes in the bathroom sink, sometimes with a bar of soap or liquid laundry detergent. Sometimes, I soak clothing in a pail of water solution, over night and rinse out in the sink, the next day. I set up a small makeshift clothes line outside my kitchen door. In the Winter, I have an extra shower curtain bar (tension bar) over the center of the tub. I use plastic hangers to place the clothes on, then place them on the bar above the center of the tub, to drip and dry. Most are dry in a day. Towels, slacks and sweaters usually take two days to be completely dry but all it cost me was some soap and water and alittle time. With blankets, if I'm hard pressed in cash flow, instead of taking them to the laundromat, I'll place it in the tub and run enough semi-hot water to cover it and add a small amount of detergent. I have one of those Dollar General cheap plastic bristle brooms, that I modified by cutting off the bristles, to use in the tub to move the blanket around. Works great and it's light weight. Due to the back injury, I'm unable to bend over and reach into the center of the tub. The broom helps me navigate what I want to do. I push the blanket to the back of the tub with the broom, the broom hits the lever to release the water down the drain and back up when I want to fill the tub with rinse water. Then repeat the process in moving the blanket around and draining the water. I place a regular size plastic laundry basket - upside down in the tub and use the broom to get the blanket on top of the basket to drip the excess water. In about an hour, I use the broom to slip the blanket into a clear garbage size bag and drag it to the kitchen door and place it on the line outside. Depending on the weather, it's dry in a day or two. (Don't have to worry about having quarters for laundry.)

Also, we daily ask with trust for the Divine Cosmic Mind (DCM) to provide us with what we are in need of, by and through whatever means. We realize we need to use vigilance to read the signs of the times, and allow for DCM to provide, without worry or anticipation. DCM, (Who delights in seeing us filled with an abundance of knowledge, courage, wave-riding skills, and the enjoyment in the utilization of it all)

It's my opinion, that you get out of life - what you put into it. If you do nothing, you get nothing in return. There are - NO Savior's! DCM or otherwise.


moderator's note: fixed quotes