In my last post, I described the physical environment at a mental health facility where I recently spent a long weekend. During my stay there I had the opportunity to reflect on my mental health. On my first real day which began after about 18 hours of sleep, I did not notice the photos along the wall. On my second day, Jonny another resident pointed them out. Looking and pondering each one brought me peace and helped me to feel connections to the outside world at a time when I felt unheard, alone, and misunderstood. Each was uplifting to my soul and allowed a way to converse with others in a meaningful way without going below the surface to places that did not need to be shared in this setting.
While at the facility I went to sessions on topics such as Yoga, setting boundaries, and other similar topics that were to guide me in the days ahead. Once it was time for me to leave the facility I had gotten some much-needed rest, was well fed, and had new medication all of which gave me a feeling of hope and renewal. That along with so many loved ones that support and love me I have continued on the road to recovery. With love and peace, I share the gallery of mental health once more.
Gallery of Mental Health Photos
These color photos were along the same wall where the patients' doors. There are no people in any of the photos. At the time of my stay, I wrote down details regarding each one to be sure I would remember each one.
1) Wildflowers mostly that's all it is but, if when I looked closer I noticed a rusted red wagon much like one I used as a kid. Also an old chair much like the decor of the outside wedding my daughter was in at the bride's family home in the country in Nebraska.
2) Convertible Sportscar looking from the view from behind and between the driver and the front passenger empty seats. You can fully see the dash and windshield and some of the hood.
3) Squirrel looking straight out at us.
4) Rustic Ocean Dock fog in the air and ice in the water.
5) Colorful Hot Air Balloons -- 9 of them (one is Wonder Bread) over a wheat field.
6) Baby Elephant and Mama Elephant mom's trunk guides the young one to the watering hole.
7) Colorful Butterfly on a curling yellow dandelion.
8) Single White Dandelion with half the fluff blown off.
9) Young Red Fox in the woods looking towards us.
Week 3 of THE DON'T DIET
Dani points out that in order for changes to be sustainable they should also be pleasurable. For example, as I incorporate eating more vegetables and fruits instead of forcing them on myself I will choose the ones I enjoy.
James 2:1-7
James warns against choosing to uplift one person over another based on their appearance/status. I am challenged to keep an eye out for my own bias while also opening my eyes to ways I fall into the trap accept/ignore the bias of others.
Thanks for reading.
Stay well,
Amy BH
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