Gold Mind

Meditation Project

(Benefits for fellow head-injury survivors)
       

Head-injury is an invisible disability, not easily seen from the outside like wheelchair or crutches. It is a complex injury to a complex organ. This condition is a disability known profoundly from inside and having a wide array of symptoms - different for each survivor. Gold Mind Meditation Project has the purpose of empowering you to transform your relationship with this condition and actually thrive: through the power of mindfulness, bringing bright awareness to what you perceive in the present moment.

I speak from personal experience.  Returning to college years ago, I was involved in a serious car accident. Jaws-of-Life were required to free me from the vehicle, I got a skull fracture and was in a coma for seven days. My brain swelled in my skull and when I came to I had amnesia, diplopia (double-vision), and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In an instant I was not who I used to be.

Since that time I have lived with the challenges of TBI. I struggled to complete my university degree and to get on with my new life. I graduated from the university and then within a few years experienced frustrating failure in the loss of several jobs. Often I was cloudy and very unaware of what I could do or be. My friend who is an occupational therapist pointed out that this was the direct result of my TBI and that I could have some say in my own rehabilitation.

TBI has often been misdiagnosed and thus poorly treated. In top-of-the line and expensive rehabilitation programs I was taught 'compensatory coping strategies' for the 'cognitive deficits' of my brain injury. These strategies were well-intended rehab but fell short of knowing and actually addressing innate well-being. They didn't work for me; I had to learn that necessary transformation for myself.  In my own explorations I learned to sift gold (possibilities) from the gravel of my life experiences in order to find meaning, value and purpose for myself.

  

Having the direct experience of the devastation and frustration of this condition, I intend to share what I've found in my life to be a powerful healing benefit.

I’ve learned mindfulness meditation practice also called Insight Meditation. Learning this simple practice can enhance your life with satisfaction, way more ease and smiles. Really! There is light at the end of the tunnel for each survivor.

Regular meditation practice has helped me be clear-eyed and mindful, capable of sustained attention. This training is intended to relieve suffering and dissatisfaction, freeing the mind of illusions. It grounds us in a sense of dignified inner wellness, and peace beyond the damages of our trauma and change.  This is the golden path of being authentic to your life now.

Mindfulness practice can lead to brain healing (neuroplasticity - the brain can heal itself).  I am now choosing to live my life intentionally and more skillfully, making peace with this malady and finding the healing I need. You can too. This is the start of a new path!

Had C. Walmer                 hwalmer@gmail.com               (503)332-3046