The truth is out there

By Virginia Winder

We are not alone.

They walk among us.

OK, so I’m an alien movie and X File fan, but when I say “they”, I mean “we” and “us” changes to “you”.

Because the truth is we are out there – everywhere.  

Most people in society are touched by mental illness in some way.

Since last week’s blog, dozens of amazing people have contacted me to share their own experiences. Others have sent messages about having people close to them who have been unwell or still are.

Even more have given me thoughtful and compassionate feedback. I truly believe that people the world over are inherently kind and accepting, and that’s especially so here in Taranaki.

Those who talked of illnesses mostly mentioned depression, anxiety and that yo-yo inner world of bipolar. But there are people in this community who are living with schizophrenia and also thriving.

Oh but the things we learn on the way.

I’m fortunate enough to be enrolled in a mindfulness class through the Taranaki District Health Board.

Mindfulness is about living in the moment. It’s also about accepting people and situations without judgement and with an open mind.

Mindfulness is the “it just is” way of thinking without attaching good or bad thoughts to it.

In fact, it teaches us to think of the mind as a guest house where everyone is welcome. So, when bad thoughts appear in your mind, you invite them in and then let them go. Or you can imagine they are clouds and let them float by, along with the good thoughts.

You see, thoughts are just thoughts; they aren’t truth.

One of the best things about mindfulness is that it’s about focusing on right now and doing that to the best of your ability – like reading this! Or when you’re working, being absolutely intent on that and nothing else.

So if you’re working on a report or story, turn off your emails, switch your cellphone on to silent or aeroplane mode and give all your attention to writing.

It’s incredibly rewarding and work days just fly by.

Try doing it when you have coffee with a friend – focus solely on them and what they are saying. It’s an amazing experience living mindfully.

You can do that with exercise too by focusing on your breathing, your strides, your strokes and your pedal pushing. Break it right down to that smallest movement and try to do each one to the best of your ability.

I know that on midwinter days it’s so easy to curl up at home, pull the blinds and hide away from the world and the weather. I did that yesterday when it never stopped raining – I had a PJ day. It was lovely too.

But it’s not great training strategy, so I’m going to listen to Coach Clint who has shared the “rocks in the jar” concept.

The rocks have to go in first, then you can fit in the pebbles, then fill the gaps up with sand.

You can’t put the rocks in last because they simply won’t fit.

What he means is that you have to focus on running, biking and swimming first – they are the rocks. The pebbles are Pilates and gym work for core strength. The sand is stretching and yoga.

My sports massage therapist, Lauren Hann (an ironwoman herself), says consistency is the key. She says that for now, when it’s so horrible out there, just do a little often.

Get on the wind trainer for half an hour, or head to the gym for a short workout. Go for a short run in your wet weather gear.

Do these things every day to keep your fitness levels up, your muscles working and your mind alert.

Honestly, one of the best things in the world for mental health is exercise.

Lauren has given me my pep talk. Clint has given me rocks.

Now it’s time to forget PJ days and continue training, without fail.

It’s all down to me now.