Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello. I chose the name Yttrium because it is "relatively stable when exposed to air". I am a 57 year old male. I was only diagnosed as autistic at age 55. Before the diagnosis I just thought I was in hell but now a lot of stuff (anxiety, depression etc) is making sense. I go to CBT sessions once a week. Recently the CBT sessions have been the only time I leave the house. I am having a go at mindfulness meditation but am not sure if I'm doing it right. A tiny oak tree growing in the back garden brings me pleasure and helps me relax.
Thanks Martian Tom I severely pruned my photo and now it works although the picture looks a little odd.
You could use the whole photo, but just reduce the size or the resolution.
Acorns in a few years, eh?
The CBT is really helpful. I think I need to persevere with the meditation and give it a proper chance. I get to sleep by listening to radio4extra in bed for 3 or 4 hours!
Hello Trogluddite.
I might be having similar problems to you regarding the traditional meditation but I'm going to persevere with it for another month or so just in case. I downloaded the free Smiling Mind App and listen to at least one of the sessions each day.
I used to enjoy walking alone in the countryside. It is relaxing and good exercise but I don't know if that counts as meditation(?) The point you make about experimenting with different environments etc is very interesting. I'll have a think about that.
Welcome Yttrium.
Excellent name! The description would fit me rather well, too - I was just explaining on another thread how I can approximate sanity better when I have access to the great outdoors.
I've found CBT very beneficial too, particularly when I saw a therapist who was an autism specialist. I can understand some people finding it ineffective, I did too with a couple of previous therapists, but I think that not knowing that I was autistic back then may have had a big part to play in this (both identified that something was present, but couldn't identify what.)
I've never had any success with traditional meditation or mindfulness; I seem to find it impossible by relax by doing nothing, it just seems to make my brain go even faster. I also struggle to see images in my minds eye (aphantasia), so guided meditation with imagery doesn't work either.
However, I think that I have other ways of achieving the same thing, which are maybe not recognised because they're unconventional. Making music is one of them; once I get going, I'm in a world of my own where the outside world can't touch me and I can attain a calmness which I've never found with meditation. As with your radio, certain sensory stimuli work well too - gazing into the ripples on water and certain geometric shapes (I never grew out of a toddler's mobiles maybe!) A lonely spot in the countryside to do it always helps, too. The principle of meditation is good, I think, but maybe try a few experiments with different stimuli and environments to see if you can draw out the ability.