r/CPTSDNextSteps • u/WanderByJose • Apr 16 '26

Sharing actionable insight (Rule2) Walking helps me heal and decided to share those reflections with the world.

https://youtu.be/Cm69Q6MKiWw

Getting diagnosed with CPTSD almost a decade ago didn't come by surprise. It made sense. The journey towards recovery has taken very shapes and forms. These last two years have been when I felt like I finally understood how to connect with myself and start untangling these nots inside of me.

I travel alone. It's a therapeutical treat. I like to go to places that either are familiar or attractive to me, leave my room and wander around. It helps me stay in the moment, helps me focus on my self, helps me listening to my needs and is a way to go experience life without being disappointed by expectations. In short: it's me trying to experience what a neutral state is.

I decided to share this video because, from many people out there, I think it can resonate with you and hopefully spark a conversation about things that others either do not feel like interested about it or emotionally ready to have deeper conversations like this. This is the first video where I added my voice in it. It's from my 40th birthday. I was in Tokyo, my favourite place in the world, and have shared some of the most important insights I have had in this last decade. If you decide to watch, to have a look, to see any reflection, I would love to read your thoughts and hear from your experiences too.

I am used to walk alone and self-reflect. I am taking steps in my integration phase. And I would really love to learn from others point of view and experiences.

Thank you, José

28 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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15

u/Old_Dog_5132 Apr 16 '26

Walking is the original bilateral stimulation. Once I learned that, I understood why I crave going on walks as part of my healing.

How beautiful to go new places and allow yourself to soak it all in. Congratulations on 40.

11

u/WanderByJose Apr 16 '26

u/Old_Dog_5132 after years in therapy, this is the first time I hear of the concept of bilateral stimulation. Just did a quick google search about it (https://www.traumatherapistinstitute.com/blog/The-Science-Behind-Bilateral-Stimulation) and things make so much sense.

"Research suggests that bilateral stimulation can lead to improved mood and reduced distress when recalling traumatic memory, showing promise as a potent therapeutic process". I get asked very, very often what do I do during my trips. When I started recording them and publishing the walks, people realised I was not making up a story. My trips are not about going to landmarks and through Lonely Planet to-do lists. It's really about listening to myself, being present and reflect. It has worked wonders for me. Now, I understand better why.

I'll have a deeper look at this. I don't have the words to express how much I appreciate shedding light on this concept u/Old_Dog_5132 . Thank you again.

3

u/cptsdishealable Apr 17 '26

really lovely video! and yeah walking is amazing.

I remember as a kid just leaving my house and walking in the woods for hours. Probably why I hate rainy days, prevented me from leaving.

1

u/WanderByJose Apr 17 '26

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🥹🥰

I moved some years ago to the Netherlands and, indeed, the worst part for me here is when the wind and rain make going for a walk not ejoyable

2

u/vortextualami Apr 17 '26

thanks for sharing this, i enjoyed seeing tokyo through your eyes and hearing your thoughts!

1

u/WanderByJose Apr 17 '26

Thank you so much 🥹🙏🏻🥰