Musing 1. The week I wanted to crawl into an oak tree
Waking up tired and heavy. Feeling angry at complete strangers walking their dog. Confused about the migrant crisis.
If I saw a hollowed out nook in an old oak tree I could crawl into, I would. And I would stay there until somebody pulled me out.
But feeling this way is no surprise, given what we faced in September, and I thought it would be an interesting topic for my very first newsletter.
After a relentless three year battle, our education law case concluded. Shortly afterward, we were then required to attend a court hearing for another case. Nothing criminal, but not how you’d wish to spend a day off.
Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing took a hit.
I suspect that feeling tired and hollowed out is a relatively normal stress response. Same for the much lower tolerance of other people and normal life events.
Weekly counselling stopped being helpful but daily journaling kept me emotionally regulated and stabilised my mood. Work and regular exercise were able to continue as normal, bringing their own benefits.
Daily journaling can be done anywhere and any time, unlike a weekly 50-minute therapy slot. Pull over and write by the side of the road if you need to, it’s that simple. I’ve found Andrew Huberman's explanation of the science behind journaling and his protocol for processing traumatic events especially useful.
If you ever find yourself wanting to crawl into a hollowed-out oak tree, maybe take a notebook with you. In the meantime, be well, or as well as you can be.
Regards,
Frank