Hollow rock in my chest

Today, I woke up with anxiety and guilt, like there is a hollow rock sitting in my chest, making it difficult for me to breathe.

This happens from time to time. It's been going on for 2 years. It surprises me that I felt less anxious the first year I was sober.

The past 2 years seem to be whizzing by as well. I don't like the idea that my life seems to be moving faster than normal, and I don't relish in the beauty and enjoyment of my day like I once did.

I also seem to be aging faster. I have more gray hair than I did, my eyes have bags under them more often, and my skin has a rough quality to it. Nothing like that warm and rosey glow i had the first year.

I don't fully understand why that is. I could say it is stress-related, but I would be lying to myself.

There's too much evidence pointing to this conclusion being untrue.

I am practically minded, grounded in the physical & hard evidence these days, like many modern physicians, however, a more holistic approach to medicine and health would be preferred.

I promised myself to never be back in this world of brokenness and fixation on all things "healing." I feel a lot better when I am living a life free from this total self-help lifestyle. Self-help is only one slice of the pie that makes my life complete, not the whole thing!

But I'm not being given any other viable options. It's like the universe - powers that be - thrust me back into one area of my life I was already well-versed in.

Sort of similar to being forced to slowly reread a book you know by heart even though you no longer want to and are receiving very little from its words, pages, and narrative.

I've outgrown my present reality.

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If possible, treat yourself to a week long spiritual retreat. Sounds like you could use a hard reset. Speaking for me, The daily grind of living in this world continually drags me backwards. All of my daily spiritual rituals helps me from slipping back to quickly. However, once I get to a point where I just fell “stuck”, I find I need to get away from this reality for a few days or a week if possible. Spending time with nature and other like minded people, while being guided by a shaman, catapults me forward so that I can get back to a mental place of peace and purpose. I’m about ready for another retreat myself. This life can get very overwhelming and mundane for me. I find recovery is about action. Go forth and find it. All the best in your journey.

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That was pretty powerful and relatable. Thank you for sharing.

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