I've never been a fan of traveling through tunnels (or entering caves) simply because I hate small dark enclosed spaces, that give me the feeling of being buried alive. So to help distract and calm my mind, I usually grab my camera, and stick my head to the porthole of my narrowboat, which gives my "visions of tunnels" a rare and prettier outlook.
One of the shorter tunnels traveled.
All tunnels are different in length and width, and you never know which tunnels will be leaky, so it's best to close both doors leading to the bow and the stern, as the temperatures under tunnels are noticeably colder than in the open air.
The longest tunnel on our journey so far has been the Braunston Tunnel which we've entered twice. It's just under 2 km's long (1.873km) to be exact, but going at the slow pace of my boat, takes 30 minutes - 30 minutes of torture!
According to Wikipedia this tunnel was opened in 1796, after its construction was delayed by soil movement, which resulted it the slight "S" bend of the tunnel."
Have you ever wondered how tunnels are built?
Canal River Trust Uk explains the building of some tunnels in the UK.
Meditation For Anxiety
Going through tunnels brings uncertainty and anxiety, as you never know what problems might arise. However, upon entering tunnels, which I associate with light and dark moments we experience in life, I tend to observe the sounds of the boat engine, and when there are others boaters passing simultaneously, we sometimes have unavoidable bumps into each other as the space is small and dark, regardless of headlights on each boat. Still, with all the activities that might be happening around me, it's easy for fear to creep in, so I practice taking deep breaths, listening to every inhalation and exhalation of air I take, to drown out the loud sounds of fear.
Camera shake from the bump of a passing boat.
But why do we have tunnel anxiety? What makes our minds wander down the dark paths?
Are our fears heightened only from going through small dark confined spaces, or are our minds deluded by fear because the tunnels were built by men over hundreds of years, who toiled away brick-by-brick daily in the cold weathers and the environs of the pathways? Can you imagine the conditions and the different emotions that those architects / builders and engineers might have had?
These are some of my random thoughts as I endure what feels like eternity when going through tunnels on my narrowboat.
All the "what if's".
Sometimes I trod back and forth in the darkness of the boat, and I look up at the skipper and I think; it's just us! Then I think again, is it really just us?
I do get a little antsy anyway, because tunnels interrupt your normal activities as special caution needs to be taken. There's an interruption of the internet network, it's not advised to cook or use the oven under tunnels, and it's a dark, damp, and lonely period. I don't dare to shout or even speak, as the wet slimy walls look as if they would speak back to me. Still, I remain calm, listening to the engine, the surrounding sounds, and to every breath that I take.
'I see tunnels as a hollow tube which makes me inclined to take shallow breaths. Instead, I alter that by breathing into a square - where I take a deep breath and count to 5 seconds. Then I hold that breath and count 5 seconds. I then exhale and count to 5 seconds, holding that exhalation for 5 seconds.'
I know there's light at the end of the tunnel, as I can see it.
But how soon?
Closer ...
And closer ...
I see light!
A sigh of relief, as I take a glance back ...
I then remind myself, to focus on the present, the beauty of the amazing nature that surrounds me.
Afterall, nature thearpy is one of the best natural medicine for our overall well-being.
Do you like traveling through tunnels? What are some of your fears when going through long, dark tunnels, and what do you do to conquer those fears?
Thank you for reading my penned thoughts and comparisons of tunnels and life.
@millycf1976
I absolutely love tunnels, bridges, underpasses, etc. When I was a kid my brother and I would always try to hold our breath all the way to other side, so I tend to remember this things in a playful nature. However, I can certainly understand the foreboding feeling the sight of a tunnel or cave can trigger.
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Hello @justinparke
Thanks for your comment!
I think its cute that you and your brother held your breath while going through tunnels.
It's not so bad afterall, however, J don't think I'll ever be ready for caves!
Wishing you a lovely day :)
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Thanks for the motivation :)
You're welcome @millycf1976, thanks for your participation 😊🌹
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I suffer from anxiety, and it's funny, but my anxiety is reflected in my fear of being alone. My life is a torture when I have to move to an unknown place, because hours before my body begins to reflect that lack of control, but well, I started to look for some ways to calm down like drawing, or having things with different textures and with that I have been able to control myself.
Hello @becourious
Thanks for stopping by! I'm happy you've found creative ways of dealing and controlling your anxiety🙏🏾
I also noticed that you're new to the #blockchain, so welcome!
Maybe you could share some of your drawings on different Art Communities on Hive.
Wishing you a great day!
Thank you very much! Yes, I'm new, I'm trying to learn a little bit more about this platform, but well, slow but sure steps hahaha and of course, later I'll share with you some of my work, which I hope you like it
You have some fab pics there! .I think small spaces can be quite claustrophobic and certainly tunnels too. I love the self help techniques you describe to cope with anxiety.
Lovely post, thank you for sharing.
Natural Medicine supports wellness of body, mind, soul and earth on HIVE.
Come say hi via Lotus Chat or drop by our community - we'd love to welcome you!
Hello @holisticmom Thank you for stopping by with such great feedback :)
I'm pleased you like my little tip...so impprtant to remember to breathe. When I started doing that, I saw the meaning of "breath of life" in a new light :)
Aww, you're very welcome. Yes, our breathing can have such an impact on us, and knowing how to use it to calm down or relieve stress and anxiety is so important.
I love that you are living on a narrowboat. If you're ever in Suffolk or Essex give me a shout. Always cool to touch base with fellow Hivians in real life. 🤗💚
Yes, its always nice to link up with other Hivians, so I would give you a shout for sure :) and if you should ever see us (Badger) anywhere, please give us a holla!
My sister lives in Barking Essex, so at some point we'll make our way down to London 🤗
Oh awesome, yeah for sure although I am a bit close to the sea here and not so close to any canals that I know of. I'll certainly keep an eye out for you if we ever venture towards the canals. Lovely to meet you and look forward to chatting some more. 💚🤗
Yes, its nice meeting you.😍 I like your gardening and the usage of recycled and gifted plant pots :)👌
I had great success growing herbs while living in the Philippines, but my approach to growing potted herbs on the boat in this climate will be quite different.