When energy is short and we have to ration it, it can be tempting to focus the little we have on the needs that are the easiest to meet. But we have many different needs and filling up on one doesn’t fill the holes left by others. No matter how satisfying one pursuit may be, … Read more
In order to come to terms with living with this condition I have been forced to reassess some of my core beliefs and values. These core beliefs and values develop and are reinforced over time. Some of them are absorbed from our society or culture without us ever really thinking about whether they are right … Read more
I have ready various books in the mind/body/ spirit vein that suggest that you include in your daily routine a round of positive affirmations. One that I have heard several times goes along the lines of: I am complete, I am perfect, I am healthy, I am strong, I am calm, I am loving, I … Read more
One of my most rewarding pastimes at the moment is growing my own vegetables. It’s so exciting to see a seedling poking its head out of the earth, and wonderfully satisfying to eat something freshly picked from your own garden. I spend more time just looking at the veg garden, absorbed in the wonders of … Read more
When you have this illness one thing to avoid if you want to be happy is comparing yourself with other people or other times in your life. It might be a natural impulse but it really doesn’t help! If we can look out for those moments when we are making comparisons we can choose to … Read more
Listening to your body is really important when you have ME/CFS but not just to assess how much energy you have. I also find that when I listen very carefully my body will tell me what sort of thing it feels able to do right now. When I pay attention I find I can get … Read more
This is another meditation practise that provides nourishment for the soul (see also loving kindness meditation). I find it particularly useful as a reminder to invite these positive qualities into my life, especially when I am taking life too seriously and devoting too much energy to work and writing. I also find that the active … Read more
Before I got ill and in my 7 years remission the majority of my pleasure came from physical pursuits. Whether it was a long mountain hike, bombing down the mountain on ski’s or a snowboard, or dancing all night at a festival, these were the times when I experienced the most pleasure. Second to that … Read more
Recently I’ve realised I’ve got out of the habit of being happy. It’s been a combination of things, one piling on top of another. I’ve been feeling ‘below baseline’ for a couple of months now. I’ve made very slow progress from a viral crash, (or maybe I’ve been dealing with several infections in sequence?) I’ve … Read more
In an earlier post I explored the role of loving-kindness in the pursuit of happiness, not in terms of receiving but in terms of giving. We can’t necessarily control how much love and affection we receive from others but we are in control of how much we can give out. Giving love is a wonderfully … Read more
