Chapter 1: Discovering My Emotional Sanctuary

Lying down amidst a sea of dandelions fills me with serenity.

"Each person has a cherished retreat, a mental image that offers comfort and security." — Sarah Jio

When I encountered a writing prompt from Ravyne Hawke, I felt compelled to share my own happy place. Four years ago, I took a therapist's advice and engaged in EMDR therapy, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1980, this therapeutic technique is designed to alleviate stress linked to traumatic experiences.

After discussing my childhood traumas with my therapist, who had worked extensively with clients undergoing EMDR, she deemed me an ideal candidate for this healing process. Following our initial sessions, I agreed to her recommendation and was given some preparatory tasks.

First, I was instructed to create a box—both metaphorically and literally. The second task involved identifying a happy place that I could vividly visualize with closed eyes.

Section 1.1: The Importance of a Safe Haven

She encouraged me to compile a list of potential happy places before making my final choice. The rationale behind needing both a box and a happy place was clear: these tools serve as a refuge during moments of emotional distress. She referred to it as my “emotional sanctuary,” crucial for navigating feelings of discomfort or revisiting traumatic memories.

The box acts as a mechanism for relinquishing burdens that hinder personal growth. After years of grappling with trauma, I was eager to let go of those painful memories from my childhood. Admitting that I still held onto these experiences well into my forties was daunting, but my therapist reassured me that many individuals carry similar burdens throughout their lives.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Visualization Exercise

As I contemplated the design of my box and the essence of my happy place, I realized I wanted my box to resemble a deep well—a place to cast away my emotional baggage. As for my happy place, I envisioned myself lying in dandelions at a secluded park, hidden away from the urban sprawl. This park required an adventurous trek through dirt paths and overgrown shrubbery, revealing a serene oasis.

I pictured myself reclining amidst the flowers and trees, eyes closed, enveloped in tranquility. This image of laying among the dandelions resonated with me, overshadowing other ideas like the beach or mountain landscapes. Even though my loved ones bring me joy, I felt the need to find solace alone to navigate and release my trauma.

Chapter 2: Therapeutic Sessions and Healing

During my first therapy session, we focused on revisiting painful memories—beginning with the most significant ones that had haunted me throughout adulthood. While recalling these experiences, I engaged in rapid eye movements, tracking a light as it moved back and forth.

With each session, I placed those memories into my metaphorical box, ultimately returning to my happy place. I consistently envisioned the dandelion field, the sun shining down, and a gentle breeze gracing my skin. Thanks to EMDR, journaling, and my tranquil sanctuary, I was able to release numerous burdensome memories.

Who wouldn’t feel a sense of relief while resting in a meadow of flowers?

Whenever I experience feelings of sadness or discontent, I revisit my happy place.

A special thanks to the editors of one of my favorite publications: Diana C. Spyder, Ravyne Hawke, and Jules.

If you enjoyed my story, consider becoming a member and subscribing to Medium for access to more articles each month.

Thank you for reading!

Much love, Michele