Aug

12

Wilderness and Healing PTSD

Filed Under Treating PTSD 

alaska-aurora-borealis1They come at the most unexpected times; the demons, depression, sadness, anxiety… It is the uncertainty of the unwanted feelings, the never knowing for sure when or where they might appear that makes Post-traumatic Stress such a challenge to manage.

 Modern civilization, with all of its new technologies, now has more clever and massive means to torture and kill. And our conscious and unconscious psyche knows and understands this fact. So why in the heck would someone with PTSD feel secure and at ease in a large city, a crowded mall, or a traffic-filled highway?

Many times it is these modern places that exacerbate PTSD symptoms. Finding a place of safety to escape and heal may be to retreat to the wilderness. A place where Mother Nature opens her soft arms to surround us with peace, soothe our torn nerves, and comfort us with gurgling mountain streams, meadows splashed with abundant colors, greens so bright that they almost appear painted. Soft breezes and tiny birds sing a lullaby so sweet that we almost weep with gratitude. Compassionate, wilderness spirits seem to enfold our entire bodies and minds with their loving presence.

This summer we have been fortunate to spend a great deal of time in the mountains: camping, fishing, hiking, floating rivers. Each experience reinforced what we have always known – wilderness places heal.

There is a healing that takes place in the wilderness. Where hatred, greed, and meaningless violence cease to exist. When we are surrounded by wilderness our senses open up to drink in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that quiet our minds, hearts, and tattered spirits.

Nature allows us to relax, to rejuvenate. It is why we are blessed to visit each special, wild place. We are privileged to experience natural environments and acknowledge the value of these common places becoming our sacred, healing grounds.

Please send us stories of your wilderness, healing places.  We would enjoy hearing from you.

Comments

3 Responses to “Wilderness and Healing PTSD”

  1. John DiCiacco on September 4th, 2009 10:55 am

    To my dearest friends and family, your blogs have become an inspiration, spiritual, and healing source of love for me.

    Thanks to the both of you for your dedication and hard work.

    Love and God’s Speed.

  2. Terril Heilman on September 9th, 2009 11:02 am

    Thanks for your words and for your mission to aid those with PTSD. I also have a mission to enlighten those who are not aware of nature’s healing power for the mind, body, and soul. My tools are my photography, my website, and my passion.

  3. Hollee Sloop on June 10th, 2010 8:08 am

    Thanks for your ideas and for your support of military members who are trying to find a way to heal the invisible wounds of war! The Citizen Soldier Support Program is working toward providing members of the reserve components of the military and their families support within their home towns. This is an awesome way to find a provider in your area who works in your interest areas and accepts your type of insurance! The site also has ‘providers’ who work in non-traditional capacities such as therapy through horseback riding.