Hiya long time no see,a little catch-up.

[longlungs]

When I was young I was an optimist,trusted everyone.My glass half full kinda girl.Life was good.

The years ticked by and the battle scars of life left their mark.Now making me more of a pessimist always seeing the downfalls first.My glass became half empty.Life seemed an uphill struggle.

So here Iam at 59 taking stock and looking at how to make me a happier person to help me deal with lifes many curve balls that fly my way.Also to learn to cope with these ere lungs of mine,being at stage 4, sob bought on many panic attacks,isolation, becoming scared of my own shadow almost.Terrified of catching germs!

Some weeks ago in a post here I mentioned about Buddhism and meditation and giving it a go?

Well my friends I have been meditating twice daily,in the evening I do a guided healing meditation and unbelievable for me I almost always nod off before its finished if I dont I listen to relaxing music with the sounds of water.I love to listen to water trickling in a stream or the waves lapping along the shoreline.Once Im downstairs in the day I do a positive energising guided meditation.

Iam happy to report that change is definitely afoot.My breathing has improved because Iam breathing from my tummy this is always asked for with meditation as are we with our lungs.It really does make a difference.I feel so much calmer more peaceful more able to cope with those curve balls,and there have been 1-2 unpleasant ones recently.But as upsetting as it might be,my head is healing and Im more able to deal with these situations in a much calmer fashion.I dont join the argument anymore.Its still early days and Im still a novice but going in the right direction.My panic attacks have just about stopped! How wonderful is that It is mind over matter,my mindset needed to change,Ido feel happier and sleeping better.I now to a ten minute chair workout daily slowly building myself up.

I was looking for something and I found meditation. It is working for me,life is on the up. My glass is half full again.

Happy days peeps

Breathe easy

Janexxx

[knitter]

Hi longlungs, meditation has been a life saver for me too, I have a cd of sounds of nature as well.

Take care

[longlungs in reply to knitter]

Hi knitter its very good isnt it I cant believe how I feel afterwards I open my eyes with a smile on my face,it has defo saved me from being admitted into the local nut house,lol. I go on you tube quite alot. Iam still new at it mind.Im so glad your finding it helpful too. Keepwell now Janexx

[pergola1]

Hi, L.L. so good to see you back. I am just going to bed but I do need to study your message. I have various problems going on with me at the mo. But the breathing has been helped by azithromycin to help cope with everything. perhaps a PM would be a good idea tomorrow. Sleep tight. xxx

[longlungs in reply to pergola1]

Hi pergola Iam so sorry things are tough at the moment for you and your lovely hubby.Meditation is very helpful for so many things including healing and pain aswell as relaxation,anxiety depression positivity.On you tube they do guided meditation for beginners,it might well help you pergola at this difficult time.Have a little nose,some of the music is very relaxing I listen to singing tibeten bowls during the night.The Azithromycin is keeping your lungs free of infection how brilliant is that.Takecare pergola my thoughts are with you both. Janexx

[pergola1 in reply to longlungs]

I have been meaning to write to you, L.L. I did look up meditation and noticed a meditation machine - Proteus. This is good for all sorts of depressive states, but at the price £145, I need to think about getting one. Also Buddhism. How do you pursue that thinking. I have thought going to a Quakers' meeting because my mind does get into a tiz +++ Today funnily, I feel more serene, possibly because B is having one of his better days. I have been given mirtazapine which helps. He has been to the Hospice for the day. You tube is worth exploring - what would we do without our laptops etc. So good to hear from you and thank you for your good wishes. xxxx

[longlungs in reply to pergola1]

Hi pergola I hadnt heard of the Proteus machine but have now googled and know.I would consider that a luxury to buy and would advise you to look on you tube there is some lovely meditation music to cover most tastes,and see how you get on before laying out that amount of money.Look up guided meditation for beginners on You tube and when you know you have a free 30-60 minutes find a nice quiet corner where you wont be disturbed.The meditation normally asks for you to breathe deeply from your tummy through to your chest breathing in all that is good then breathe out slowly throwing unwanted thoughts out as you exhale.This helps you to relax and be ready for the meditation.I remember you mentioning the Quakers once before.With Buddhism you dont have to give up any religeon you already believe in after all Buddhism is not a religeon,more a philosophy,below is alink which explains things very simply pergola have a little look see.

Very glad your B is having a good day bless him.

With love Janexx

wikihow.com/Become-a-Buddhist

[stilltruckin]

"Life is a dissolving moment in which there is nothing to grasp and no one to grasp it".

- Alan Watts

[longlungs in reply to stilltruckin]

Exactomondo stilltruckin Im getting there.Hope your keeping well takecare. Janexx

[casper99]

Hi Longlungs, it's great to hear you are refilling your glass. I had six weeks at a mindfulness course, (Along with a new AD) and it certainly helped to banish the severe panic attacks I was having. Only problem with me is, I never stick to things for very long once I'm better, but, I know how to do it if I need to in the future. Glad your winning the mind war. x

[longlungs in reply to casper99]

Hi ya casper isnt it wonderful not to have those horrid attacks.I hear what your saying re not continuing once well.Im trying to create a habit a new routine so that it becomes second nature,lol thats the theory anyway lol.Nice to see you and may you stay panic attack free and be happy and content. Janexx

[1968]

Good for you, im glad you have found that inner peace, what a great heart felt story, good on you and keep up the good work. David 1968

[longlungs in reply to 1968]

Hello David I do have to admit to feeling peace within aswell as other benefits ,the time was right for me.Thank-you for your kind words.Be happy and breathe easy Janexx

[Hidden]

Fantastic wonderful how proud you must be too have found a way to cope, to feel better and to live life! Long may your glass be half full, take very good care xx

[longlungs in reply to Hidden]

Hello Tadaw Im absolutely bowled over never realised the power of it ,I think you have to be ready and accepting to let go.The timing was right and i was lucky enough to be given a gift of 21 free meditations from a very kind friend which was a great introduction.Tis making a huge difference to me .Raising my half full glass to you Tadaw.How are you doing and your husband at the mo?Hope your both keeping well.Be happy Janexx

[Hidden in reply to longlungs]

I agree with you - I personally have not been very successful with meditation but do find yoga really good. You are very lucky - 21 free meditations is a brilliant gift! Husband not too bad though I have insisted he uses Vicks First Defence this morning - just in case! We have had the best summer and COPD has been very much in the background but with the change of weather this week COPD has certainly made its presence felt!!! Thank you for your kind thoughts - I do try to be happy! I watched a programme on TV - Marvellous (well worth a watch if you can) and the main actor is asked why he was always happy - his reply was that he wanted to be happy so he chose to be happy! Take good care, lots of love TAD xx

[longlungs in reply to Hidden]

Hi again yes the cold is creeping upon us.How great not to have been troubled and worried by copd all summer,hopefully with your great support nudging husband to take stuff that helps ward off the nasties your both come through the winter well too.

Is 'Marvelous ' the title of the programme? sounds like a good watch.Sometimes life really is that simple,most of us are so clever at complicating things so unnecessary .Im trying too,its quite a relief to let go I have to say.There is a buddhist who is known to be the happiest man in the world and has been proven scientifically ,he must have more than his fair share of serotonin lol.How wonderful.On that note I'll say goodbye and see you soon Tadaw keepwell keep smiling Janexx

[Hidden in reply to longlungs]

Morning Jane! Yes Marvellous was a programme a couple of weeks ago on BBC2 well worth a watch. Wishing you a fab day and even better weekend with lots of happiness, take good care, TAD xxx

[medow]

Lovely inspiring post Jane, sounds really good, great to see you around, keep in touch x x x

[longlungs in reply to medow]

Bless you medow Im so thank-ful to have happened across it all.I was so ready and open for it the timing was perfect for me. Good to see you too, hows your lungies at the mo? Keepwell be happy Janexx

[Hidden]

Hiya Jane how great to see you, have been worried about you as haven't seen you for ages. I am so glad you have found something which has helped. Onwards and upwards hey? x

[longlungs in reply to Hidden]

Hey there coughalot its good to see people Iam terrible the trouble with me is when Im low I retreat away.Hopefully now things can only get better.Hows you diddling? Onwards and upwards indeed. Janexx

[Hidden in reply to longlungs]

Hi Jane have sent you a pm. xx

[pixiedixie]

It's good to hear you're having such a good response to meditation, and it's inspired me to research this, but I doubt I could use the water sounds, as I'd spend my time running back and forth to the loo x

[longlungs in reply to pixiedixie]

Helloo Pixiedixie how lovely to meet you Yes Iam lucky I have taken to it as I said Im still a novice but already the benefits are great.To not be having the awful panic attacks is such a great relief makes my behaviour more positive there is a knock on good effect all round and it can only improve.I have many years of bad habits and ways to change,Rome wasnt built in a day though but the journey is most pleasant.Its all very encouraging.I was looking for something didnt know what.It all started from watching an interview with Steven Seagal and me wondering what made him have such a peaceful way about him. He is a Buddhist of which I knew nothing about so I googled lots,Im not a religeous person at all so sceptical,how lucky was I too find that its not a religeon no God is worshipped,its a way of living.It ticked my boxes I have to say and of course meditation is a part of it and this is what I have focoused on.Yes water sounds can make you go running for the loo lol but there is lots of different music,try looking on you tube there is a great choice there.Buddhism is a personal thing but meditation is for everyone if your open to it and practise you will surely benefit the feel good factor alone is enough but there is so much more.Its baby steps for me a day at a time.I sound like an alcoholic lol .There is nothing to loose and everything to gain how blimming good is that and it doesnt cost any money either.Sorry pixiedixie i can arf go on sorry. Be happy and breathe easy now Janexx

[Hidden]

Hi Jane lovely to hear from you,often wondered how you're going,have missed your cheeky scriblets,they used to make my day!

How wonderful meditation is working for you,it can be quite a powerful tool,as you've found out.

Do keep it up,& good on you,for looking at ways to make a better life,you should be proud of yourself,

Hugs,Wendells xxx

[longlungs in reply to Hidden]

How lovely you are Wendells thank-you.I needed time out you know what its like families and troubles and my brain what a cocktail lol.

Your not wrong it is a powerful great tool so very glad I happened across it you never know whats round the corner eh? I have just started this and so enjoying the journey,I do feel very blessed indeed.

Hows about yourself Wendells whats happening with you in Aussie hows your hubby doing?Your breathing thing you've been doing sounds pretty damn good doesnt it?

Keep well be happy and breathe easy.Good to see you it seems like its been ages. Janexx

[sassy59]

Well hello Jane, nice to have you back and feeling so much more positive. The meditation certainly does seem to be working for you and I feel it is something that maybe I should do as a carer. Pete has been in so much pain lately with his back and now heart problems that I feel a bit down too. I will see what I can find online and get stuck in.

I am really pleased for you and hope you continue with your glass half full. Take care and good luck to you.

sassy59 (Carole) xxxx

[pergola1 in reply to sassy59]

SASSY, I am in the same position as you. I am a carer and husband is very ill with terminal cancer. This morning he is in a lot of pain again, and all the appropriate people have been informed. I feel desperate and need help - let me know how you get on. PM?

[sassy59 in reply to pergola1]

Hi sweetie, I have sent you a message. Take care and feel for you and hubby. xxxxxx

[longlungs in reply to sassy59]

Hello Carole good to see you.So sorry to hear that Pete is suffering so much,its so difficult watching somebody you love in such pain .Meditation would be helpful to you both especially if you are looking and feel open to it.There is nothing to loose Carole.On you tube there is guided meditation for beginners so much choice to pick from.Im still learning and some voices dont gel with me so I try somebody else,Ive found a handful of people that I like to listen to,there is some lovely relaxing meditation music to listen to aswell.I was ready for this find and have really embraced it all,personally I cant fault it.Doesnt have to cost a penny either.Definitely have a butchers Carole.Thank-you yes today my glass is half full and I feel happy and thankful.I do hope you find this can help you and your Pete.See you soon takecare the pair of you and hope Petes pain lessons. Big cosy hugs Janexx

[sassy59 in reply to longlungs]

Thanks Jane, I will have a look on You Tube later today. You take care and stay well. Hugs back to you too. xxxxx

[Suzy6]

Wonderful Jane, inner peace is difficult to find. Panic attacks are such ghastly things. Stay positive and come back more often xx

[longlungs in reply to Suzy6]

Hi Suzy how lucky Iam I've still along way to go but so far so good.Yes they are horrible no two ways about that,but I have had only one in the last month so very happy days I reckon.Hopefully as I continue to learn and practice my positivity will grow and become part of me and who Iam.Its a good journey for sure.Stay well Suzy and be happy Janexx

[jackdup]

I am so happy for you that you have found something that gives you some peace and optimism, as it is important to have a positive attitude. I hope you can continue to benefit.

[longlungs in reply to jackdup]

Hello Jackdup nice to meet you,thank-you we can only try our best.This seems to work for me and is making a difference.I can honestly say I feel so much better,happier and i have this feeling of alls well and even if thrown a curve ball Im not scared of that and will be able to deal withit in a much better way than of old.It can only improve Im the controlling factor in this journey.Positivity is so important for successful living and happiness.I have flipflopped from positive to negative as most of us do all my life thought I understood.But it is only now that Iam seeing me and I want to change me and slowly but surely as i learn and grow I shall be a better Jane.Breathe easy Janexx

[peege]

So brilliant to hear from you Jane. Fantastic what you have achieved, blooming well done you.

Thank you too, you've reminded me of what's possible, I'm in a very poor head space at the moment having just last week left my beloved London. I shall give it a go.

- I never did get to the beautiful Buddhist Temple near Wimbledon Common (the 93 bus stops right there)! Perhaps it's time.

All the very best to you. P xxxx

[longlungs in reply to peege]

Ahh thank-you peeg its good to be here again.Its good isnt it who would've thought.Peeg if it can help me and it has already big time it can for you too hun really it can.It was definitely my time my receptors were in overdrive looking for that something to make the difference.Everything happens for a reason.

So are you parly vousing now in lovely France.Change aint easy especially if you are still loving London as you say ,very early days yet,your get there maybe try some healing and positive meditations? I'd move in a heartbeat out there I have some good memories of France.

Im building my fitness up at the mo so I probably wont get to Wimbledon Common until next year now,so something to look forward to me thinks.

Its really good to see you peeg a day at a time eh.Wishing you happiness in your new home.

Jane

[peege in reply to longlungs]

:). Just moved a week ago. Everything in storage. At sis in Suffolk for a base. Dog sitting in Chilterns for two weeks from tomorrow then hopefully off to France for a reccy to find a rental for the winter, just to try it. . . . Mind you, I've had a traumatic move and I really thought it would knock the health sideways but so far so good in that area.

I can't tell you how pleased I am for you Jane, made my week!

[longlungs in reply to peege]

Oh wow peeg your living in limbo for a while then.I do hope you can treat these few weeks as a little holiday and recharge your batteries some.Take it easy kiddo.Hopefully on your reccy your quickly find an ideal little setup for yourself for the winter.Moving is one of the most stressful things we do in life and if you say yours was traumatic ,even more so, very understandable that your head is not in a good place.You are a strong ole bird much like myself we are survivors.Once you know where you will live and stay, contentment happiness and peace will arrive I can feel it in my bones for you, no more than you deserve.

Well im very happy to have made your week a smile now stretches across my face thank-you bless your heart.Keep on trucking girl it will all come good where ever you end up.Keep in touch eh? Janexx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I'd never call myself a Buddhist but I did read and study about it many moons ago and have used a lot of the teachings to help me be peaceful as best I can, throughout my life. So when I was diagnosed with emphysema and used to get panic attacks in the beginning, I found using relaxation techniques cured it. I no longer get panic attacks and haven't for a couple of years.

[longlungs in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Oh wow Puff didnt know that ,Im right at the beginning of my learning and understanding.Like yourself I too suffered with awful panic attacks they began to rule my life almost! Now practising meditation and relaxation I have only had one in the last month which is fantastic,I was having several everyday.Iam a very happy bunny I have to say as you must be also.Iam finding this new experience so very enlightening tis helping me loads.So very happy at finding something that ticks my boxes.Very good stuff eh. Do hope your keeping well Janexx

[Puffthemagicdragon in reply to longlungs]

I'm not doing too bad. I've been a bit chesty of late but still do what I normally do but just rest more often !

[longlungs in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Goodgood keep on top of dodgy chest though,you know how they can spin out sometimes? Do take good care puff praps do a healing meditation for a while. Janexx

[Puffthemagicdragon in reply to longlungs]

Will do !

[scorpiolass]

So pleased it's working for you Jane. Well done. love Mx

[longlungs in reply to scorpiolass]

Thank-you M I couldnt be happier it has been a real eye opener for me thats for sure and in the very best of ways.Feeling blessed and lucky.Keepwell now Janexx

[Dragonmum]

Thank you so much for a very inspiring post.

[longlungs in reply to Dragonmum]

Ahh what a lovely thing to say Dragonmum.How lovely to meet you.Thank-you,my life is changing and its about time.Better late than never lol.Hope you are well be happy Janexx

[onamission]

So pleased you are back with us we have missed you xx

[longlungs in reply to onamission]

Hidehi onamission Im that penny that keeps coming back lol.Thank-you. Hows you doing hows your pain? Stay well and be happy my friend. Janexx

[onamission in reply to longlungs]

Pleased to hear your that penny Jane we have missed you sounds like your on a roll keep up the meditation.

I'm due a spine block anytime soon can't wait xx

[longlungs in reply to onamission]

Ahh thank-you onamission your too kind its good to be back.

I bet your gagging for that spine block you dont get enough of them.At least you get a little respite from the pain for a while.Yes Im feeling quite good my lungs are pretty good the cold air has its affect but not too terrible,but I feel calm and relaxed which helps.

Yes Im doing them twice daily want it to be part of my routine so automatic Im loving it.Be well and happy Janexx

[Hidden]

Delighted to have an update from you Jane, I too had been wondering how you were. Where would one find a guided meditation to follow ? Google, I suppose. Like Sassy, Pergola and others I'd really love to find out more and maybe achieve even a little bit of what you've found. Good luck Jane and hoping you find ever increasing peace.

[longlungs in reply to Hidden]

Hi Argana my life is improving everyday in little subtle ways and major ways like my panic attacks leaving me thankfully.Yes google and you tube just type in guided meditation for beginners and Bobs yer uncle voila Iam still at the beginnings and have much to learn and practice ,this is the right time for me so am open to it all and absorbing like a sponge.I do have a little of that light back inside me now and it feels wonderful I have to say.Thank-you so much for your kind words. Keepwell be happy and breathe easy Janexx

[Toci]

Nice to see you back with us LL and I am pleased to hear that the exercises are working for you.

[longlungs in reply to Toci]

Hi Toci good to be back I must say.Yes im on a roll,more than happy doing my meditations and reaping such benefits already.

My exercise regime haha is 9mins I follow a group of seniors doing a chair workout on you tube.Im not a senior yet but they are much fitter than me I might add but im getting there.So alls pretty good at the moment im happy to report.

What about yourself Toci are you keeping well?Do hope so. Janexx

[Toci in reply to longlungs]

Me? Not great but plodding. I am doing a chair work out too. Perhaps we should sell tickets?

[longlungs in reply to Toci]

Oh Im sorry Toci to hear that.Nothing wrong with plodding along.Im enjoying my little workout but when its time to move arms and legs at the same time I can get in a bit of a tangle but it makes me smile so alls good,tickets would be such fun! Keep on plodding Toci stay well be happy Janexx

[jools]

Hi Jane, I rarely post these days but do read the boards regularly, I had started to worry about you as I know what a prolific poster you are. I was relieved to see your name and so happy to read your very positive post. 'My glass was half empty and life seemed an uphill struggle' - Oh how I identify with those words at the moment, life is throwing so many curve balls at me I can't stand still for fear of being badly hurt lol. I'm so glad you have found something that helps you cope both mentally and physically and hope you go from strength to strength. Julie x

[longlungs in reply to jools]

Hi Julie how lovely to see you.Iam terrible when Im low I scuttle away Im afraid,really dont want to worry you or anyone,I do apologise.

Those curve balls are something else arnt they?Nothing is forever change is always afoot somewhere.In the mean time keep ducking lol.

Yes Iam so very thankful that I found meditation the timing was perfect for me and I guess thats the key I was so ready to give this ago and have embraced it receiving benefits.Much like stopping smoking you have to want to stop.

I really hope those balls stop coming,please feel free to pm if you ever wanna chew the fat or scream and swear lol.Please take great care of yourself Julie.Keepwell smile and let those balls fly over your head elsewhere Janexx