What's your escape?

[RastaPope]

Is there something you take prior to sleep? Perhaps a hot cup of tea, or a hot shower? Something to prepare your body and single to your brain that it's time to shut down? I've heard that routine is often needed if you are a "thinker" in bed.

Not usually. If I can't do it alone, I don't really deserve the fixing.

 

[Riles]

I take a drive to the Hill Country...listening to music loud...just getting far away from my everyday life.

This may seem strange, but I like to visit the graves of my anscestors. The old German cemetaries where they are buried are quite fascinating....and quiet....so remote. I seem to be transported to another time when I'm there.

What an excellent idea! Very poignant.

 

[Romial]

I've discussed this with friends before. Can you shut your brain down on cue? Do you do relaxation exercises to achieve this? I personally simply close my eyes, envision pure black nothingness and keep blocking any thoughts outside of "black" that enter my head.

Well it's not on that often anyways, so it should be used to it by now.

Heh, I guess I can sorta. I don't think of anything but me falling asleep and if any other thoughts enter my mind, I block them out as best as I can.

 

[curious2c]

I've never tried meditation. Did you study this with someone, or is it simply a zone you've nurtured yourself?

I took Tae Kwan Do for a while and the sensai (sp) taught me the basics. I have used it ever since. It works...especially the breathing. Helps in tense situations.

 

[Lost Cause]

A motorcycle ride...

It's like shooting, golf, pool, jogging, weightlifting, and doing prime numbers all rolled into one. The sound of the engine at cruise is a mantra like a constant waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa that changes with whatever you do with the throttle. The scenery, obstacles, and destination makes for a pinpoint concentration that Tibetan priests strive for in years, I can get in minutes. It's been called the lazy man's zen.

 

[Riles]

Re: Re: Re: Re: What's your escape?

stalk stalk

smiles

I'm getting there, sweets. I'm just trying to tend this one first. It's something I'm genuinely interested in and I want everyone who posts in this thread to know I appreciate their thoughts.

 

[Shingen]

I meditate or write poetry. I also play my piano when no one else is around. Strangely enough, I like playing just for me.

I like going to the beach and watching the waves come in or watch the sunset.

What's interesting is how I meditate sometimes. I noticed someone mentioned something about "astral." I astral project once in awhile. I think thats what you call it. lol

 

[Riles]

I sing, write music, or cook to relax and have time to myself.

I've never found cooking to be a relaxing activity, but if it helps YOU, *grin* I'm in need of a good cook! *wink*

Do you find your music is more mellow at these times?

 

[superlittlegirl]

Very occasionally, if you're really paying attention, life doesn't suck.

I have to shut them down, or I'll drive myself insane and be up for weeks. It's happened.

Yes, my life often sucks beyond the telling of it. But I know sleep will make it all vanish, so usually I'm okay.

 

[Riles]

I meditate and/or do my yoga. Spend time with my children. Visit with friends in a land far away. Read some great books I got with a gift cert from Christmas. Go dancing. Hmm...sleep. Dream. Astralllllllll!!!!

Children are very therapeutic. I can say this because I don't have any yet. *grin*

Dancing is a fantastic escape! Not only for the physical release but the mind seems to shut down as the rhythm takes over.

Excellent!

 

[S.Daedalus]

I've tried rock climbing, I suppose on one hand I can see where it's an escape. All thoughts are focused on the strategy, but on the other hand I find it highly frustrating when my route turns out to be a bad choice.

Okay, so what's the music you choose to create the mood?

For mellow....just sitting in a cafe..chillin' relaxing...

Portishead, Lamb, Morcheeba, Beth Orton, Tori Amos, Beth Gibbons, Dead Can Dance...etc...etc...

If I'm climbing,

Groove Armada, Leftfeild, Dj Shadow, Amon Tobin, Essential Remixes, Basement Jaxxx, Fatboy Slim...etc..etc..etc..


I will agree with the climbing thing, hence bouldering ROX. No ropes no harness..just you and a short steep climb. Pick out a problem and try and solve it..the best is Add On. A game you play with multiple people. Each person ADDS ON two moves AFTER first compleating the moves prior...it's a great way to build strength and skill.

I'm a climbing finatic

Stephen

 

[Riles]

*heart pounding...mouth gone dry*

Are you kidding?

No.

We'll talk.

 

[S.Daedalus]

Very occasionally, if you're really paying attention, life doesn't suck.

'


Hahahaha...i like that.

 

[sanjuaneros]

Si’ sometimes it is more relax in composer, then again it is sometimes more hyped. I love cooking; it relaxes me to be productive in the kitchen.

I've never found cooking to be a relaxing activity, but if it helps YOU, *grin* I'm in need of a good cook! *wink*

Do you find your music is more mellow at these times?

 

[Riles]

Writing music. All conscious thought disappears as I feel myself into melodies tones and rhythms. Afterwards I feel refreshed and at peace, thoughts come back slowly in a manageable flow.

I like that you have a creative outlet for this. I envy those who can channel their thoughts and frustrations into something constructive.

 

[superlittlegirl]

I confess, it's not mine. It's Joss Whedon's. But apropos, 'cos it's Rasta.

Hahahaha...i like that.

 

[Riles]

Not usually. If I can't do it alone, I don't really deserve the fixing.

Hmmm....I'm not really sure what to say to this. You see the ability to control your thoughts as a power struggle within yourself and have a need to hash it out to whatever the outcome might be - good or bad?

 

[Riles]

Well it's not on that often anyways, so it should be used to it by now.

Heh, I guess I can sorta. I don't think of anything but me falling asleep and if any other thoughts enter my mind, I block them out as best as I can.

smiles

Then what are you doing up this late?

 

[Riles]

I took Tae Kwan Do for a while and the sensai (sp) taught me the basics. I have used it ever since. It works...especially the breathing. Helps in tense situations.

I took a few lessons, but we never got to any sort of meditation. I suppose it's really just learning how to focus the mind in a positive direction. Good for you!

 

[Romial]

smiles

Then what are you doing up this late?

This late? It's still early!

I'm a night owl. I love the night better than day. Just wish there were more 24/7 business's open.

 

[Riles]

Re: A motorcycle ride...

It's like shooting, golf, pool, jogging, weightlifting, and doing prime numbers all rolled into one. The sound of the engine at cruise is a mantra like a constant waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa that changes with whatever you do with the throttle. The scenery, obstacles, and destination makes for a pinpoint concentration that Tibetan priests strive for in years, I can get in minutes. It's been called the lazy man's zen.

chuckling


Can I come too?

I've often wondered what the draw was, but I suppose like my horses or running, it's having the wind on your face and "life" rapidly disappearing behind you.

 

[curious2c]

I took a few lessons, but we never got to any sort of meditation. I suppose it's really just learning how to focus the mind in a positive direction. Good for you!

I also have other ways to relax and kick back. My main ones I listed and as to the martial arts...our instructor was taught in Korea, so he taught the full old school way.

 

[RastaPope]

Hmmm....I'm not really sure what to say to this. You see the ability to control your thoughts as a power struggle within yourself and have a need to hash it out to whatever the outcome might be - good or bad?

Can't wait to see how well I'm sleeping in 10 years. Should be a kick.

 

[Guest]

 

[Riles]

I meditate or write poetry. I also play my piano when no one else is around. Strangely enough, I like playing just for me.

I like going to the beach and watching the waves come in or watch the sunset.

What's interesting is how I meditate sometimes. I noticed someone mentioned something about "astral." I astral project once in awhile. I think thats what you call it. lol

I'm not familiar with this, but I saw it in Caly's post.

The piano....how I love the piano. I can't play, but I can see how it would be very soothing. You can exercise any emotion through music - thank you for sharing.

The beach hasn't been mentioned as much as I thought it would. The connection to nature and it's elements are exactly what I look for.