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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 1, 2017 10:37:52 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2017 10:37:52 GMT -7
It was early morning the day before the second task, and Andy was sitting up on her bed with her legs criss crossed and her palms turned up on her knees, a classic meditation pose. She hadn’t had that bad of a night, thank goodness, but she still did this every morning just to balance herself. She usually kept the curtains drawn, but she must have fallen asleep with them open because she they were open now. Her eyes were closed and she didn’t realize she was humming something. She was thinking of the violin, and how she had tainted such a pure thing with her using it for violence. She was trying to restore its sanctity in her mind, but it kept taking her down a path she didn’t want to think of, so she had to take another deep breath and start over. She didn’t want to quit playing completely, but she didn’t know how to make it a good thing again and not a trigger, which was heartbreaking for her. However, Phil and her had discussed her teaching him how to play… She heard a sound beside her, the floor creak, and she opened one eye to look at who it was. @annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 3, 2017 22:42:24 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2017 22:42:24 GMT -7
Anna was tired. It was the morning of the Second Task and she hadn't slept very well. She was worried about what would happen today. The First Task had been somewhat traumatizing for her and she was worried that she wouldn't be able to take care of Dodgson and that because of her ineptitude, he would end up injured or dead. That would definitely not help her state of mind.
Then again, Anna was pretty sure she was just letting the nerves take control of her a bit, so she decided to go on a short walk and get all her energy out. She opened the curtains to her bed and saw Andy sitting there, meditating. She smiled, glad that Andy was back from the hospital. Things hadn't been the same without her dear friend. She got out of bed and crept towards Andy's.
Andy opened an eye and Anna grinned, whispering, "Hey! Would you mind terribly if I join you? I could use some relaxation or meditation or whatever right now."
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 6, 2017 8:19:18 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2017 8:19:18 GMT -7
"Anna," she greeted, smiling softly. Anna was whispering and Andy opened her other eye and chuckled lightly. "Of course. Come on," she scooted back so that Anna could sit across from her at the end of the bed. She leaned forward to pat the empty spot across from her, still smiling gently at her friend. Andy spoke softly, as she often did since coming back to Hogwarts. Plus, the day was just starting and her voice wasn't quite warmed up yet. But that didn't matter if they were doing meditation anyway.
"It's going to be a busy day for you," Andy noted. Anna probably hadn't slept very well and there was no doubt in Andy's mind that she was probably tense and overreacting already, even though the day had just started. This year had a lot going on for Anna, with the tournament and all. Andy hoped that her... situation hadn't made it any worse. But, she couldn't think like that. She could focus on helping Anna now.
@annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 12, 2017 12:40:21 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2017 12:40:21 GMT -7
It was nice to have Andy back. Sure, she was definitely different and had been through lots of things, but Anna was glad she returned to Hogwarts. She smiled and joined her friend on the bed. "Thanks," she offered in the same tone of voice as Andy.
Anna nodded at the comment about today. "Yeah, I'm not quite sure how to feel about it. I mean, I'm anxious and excited and worried all at the same time," she answered softly. "Are you going to come and watch?" Anna wasn't going to push, of course, but she was curious to know whether or not Andy would be there. A part of her wanted to tell her friends not to come so they wouldn't have to watch if she messed up, but another part of her wanted their support, to know they were watching and cheering for her. It was pretty confusing to her, her emotions. Maybe she'd figure them out sometime soon.
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 12, 2017 13:44:36 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2017 13:44:36 GMT -7
Of course Anna wasn't sure how to feel. She probably had thousands of emotions going through her at the moment, on top of the ones that she mentioned. Anna asked if she would come watch and Andy shook her head immediately, not wanting to give any moment of false hope. "I won't be. I'm not sure I'll watch the third task either," she explained. "Crowds are hard for me," she added. "But I know you'll be brilliant and do your best," she said with a small smile.
"Now, cross your legs like this, if it's comfortable," she started to explain. "If it's not, then just sit however you want, but make sure you're sitting up straight," she said, starting to explain the meditation.
@annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 13, 2017 13:26:29 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2017 13:26:29 GMT -7
Anna smiled instantly when Andy said she wouldn't be able to watch the task. "That's just fine," Anna answered. She didn't want her friend to feel like she was trying to pressure her to attend. She nodded at the comment about crowds, not really sure how to respond to that. "Thanks," she muttered. It was interesting how many people expected her to do so well. Anna wasn't sure how to feel when people said they knew she'd be great. Was it because of her performance in the first task, or because they wanted a Hogwarts victory, or because they really thought it? At least she didn't have to wonder about that with Andy.
She listened carefully and moved to cross her legs like Andy explained, then sitting up straight. "How is this?" she asked, wanting to do it right. Anna really did want to relax now and if meditation helped Andy, maybe it would be able to help her too. "Now what?"
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 23, 2017 15:23:00 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2017 15:23:00 GMT -7
Anna was always so understanding, something that Andy knew she didn't deserve. But, she was learning to accept help and kindness rather than push it aside, so she smiled back. She gave a short not when Anna thanked her, even though Anna did not seem confident.
Soon Anna was sitting how Andy directed and Andy grinned, "that's perfect. Now, just take in a deep breath and roll your shoulders back," she explained. "okay, not close your eyes. Not tightly, just a soft close. Just to shut out the light around you," her voice was quite and soothing, at least that's what she was going for. "Now think about your favorite treat. Whether it be sweet, savory, whatever. Picture it in your mind, and remember what it tastes like in your mouth," she closed her eyes too, picturing just a simple strawberry. "Now smile, not just with your mouth, but with your whole body. Down to your toes."
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jun 26, 2017 12:23:57 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2017 12:23:57 GMT -7
Anna smiled when Andy told her she was sitting correctly. Then she started listening to the following instructions, following them as best she could. Andy told her to close her eyes and Anna did, surprised by how relaxed she already felt. Was it really this easy to relax? Maybe she should start doing this more often with Andy. Did Andy do this every day? Wait, focus. What was Andy telling her to do now? She told Anna to think of her favorite treat and remember what it tasted like. Anna paused. Her favorite food? Well, she had too many favorites, but the first thing that popped into her head was chocolate pudding so she imagined the silky smoothness in her mouth and how cool it felt when it slid down her throat. Then ... smile with her body? Anna felt the corners of her mouth turn up, but she didnt know what it meant to smile with her body. She decided to try to exude happiness, so that if anyone were to be watching her right now, they'd hopefully be able to sense the happiness radiating off of her. She sat there peacefully, relaxed as she waited for Andy's next instructions. She didn't say anything, not wanting to ruin the mood.
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 3, 2017 5:34:16 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2017 5:34:16 GMT -7
Anna was really good at getting to that place of peace, as Andy knew she would be. Anna was a happy soul by nature, she just had to access it when she was feeling down. Andy waited several minutes in silence before speaking again, her voice incredibly soft now. "Now, make sure to breathe in deep through your nose and out through your mouth, as you silently think to yourself words of affirmation. "I am brave. I am strong. I am capable." Or any others you may come up with on your own. Trust yourself. Love yourself," That last part was the hardest for Andy. Telling herself that she really was a good person, and that she just needed to trust herself and love herself... those were things she wasn't sure if she believed, but she was trying to. That's why she was doing this every single day, and even more before bed, along with little moment of calm throughout the day. It was a grueling process, but necessary and working. She just hoped Phil was finding some way to handle all the stress.
@annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 3, 2017 9:17:07 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2017 9:17:07 GMT -7
Anna couldn't remember a time when she'd felt so relaxed before. She and Andy sat in silence for a while and Anna was surprised at how natural it felt. She was glad she asked Andy if she could join in because this was definitely worth it. When Andy spoke again, Anna didn't jump. She was too relaxed to really respond at all. She nodded and paid attention to her breathing, in through the nose, out through the mouth. It was yet another relaxing facet of this process and Anna appreciated it. She started repeating in her mind the things that Andy mentioned, relieved that she just had to think the words and not say them out loud. Anna would definitely feel silly telling herself all these things if she thought anyone could hear her ... other than perhaps Andy. She knew her friend wouldn't judge her. To her surprise, she felt her spirit being lifted. She no longer felt anxious and nervous and tense, instead feeling more confident and relaxed, which was definitely a good thing, considering the things she'd have to do soon. "Thank you Andy," she breathed softly, not moving a muscle or stopping. She just had to make sure she said that. Later she would tell her friend the difference this was making in her day. Maybe she should do this more often.
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 3, 2017 18:12:31 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2017 18:12:31 GMT -7
After a moment Anna thanked her, but Andy didn't say anything at first. She let Anna focus a little longer, it could have even been ten minutes more. Before she finally sighed one last time and broke the silence. "There, and now you're ready to start the day," she explained. "It doesn't have to take that long, you can even just do it for two minutes right before something really important or stressful or whatever is about to happen. Time isn't necessarily the point, it's just finding that moment of serenity. And someday, hopefully, you can carry it with you all the time," she smiled softly.
"How do you feel?" she asked, her voice still soft. She knew that this could do a lot of good for her personally, but it was possible that it wasn't as effective for Anna... but Anna even LOOKED better already, so that just made it more possible that it made her FEEL better, too.
@annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 4, 2017 9:35:10 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2017 9:35:10 GMT -7
Andy didn't respond to Anna's thanks, but she didn't mind. The girl was probably very focused on her meditating and Anna was doing the same. It was amazing how calming this was to her. Eventually she heard Andy sigh and she opened her eyes, watching the girl as she said they were done and started explaining a little more about the process. "I am probably going to start doing this, at least in the mornings, but it would probably be a good thing to do during the day or in the evenings as well," Anna commented. Maybe she'd be able to do this right before the Task ... if she could empty her mind then.
Andy asked how Anna felt and she gave an easy smile. "I feel calm and peaceful, way better than I felt the morning before the First Task," she started. "I really like this, Andy. Thanks again for showing me how ... and I should warn you that I'll probably ask to join you sometimes, if I'm not doing it on my own." She was almost positive her friend wouldn't mind that, which was a good thing.
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 7, 2017 10:00:10 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 10:00:10 GMT -7
Andy kept her soft smile in place as Anna said she was going to start doing it more often. "Great! I mean, there are probably a lot of ways to meditate, that was just the way I was taught so I don't go berserk," she said in all honesty. Anna knew her, Anna wasn't stupid. Even if Andy hadn't completely told everyone what happened -- that she had attacked seven people and almost killed most of them -- Anna knew that Andy had been through some really serious things, hence why she had spent an entire month in a psych ward.
Anna said that she felt calm and peaceful, which made Andy's smile grow. "Oh no, no thanks needed," Andy mumbled as Anna was still speaking. "Oh, well, that is fine. Of course doing it on your own is also important, but I can help anytime you need," plus, helping other people was actually a really good way to get to a peaceful place, or so she had heard.
"So, maybe you're just a little more ready for today, now?" Andy guessed, especially since Anna said that she felt better then she did for the first task.
@annelise
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 7, 2017 18:55:10 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2017 18:55:10 GMT -7
Anna shrugged. "Yeah, there are probably more ways to do it, but I just learned it this way too ... so I'll just do what you do." Her smile faded a little when Andy mentioned why she learned how to meditate. She reached a hand forward to touch her friend's shoulder. "I'm glad you're back Andy," she answered back. She missed her friend, and worried about her while she was away.
"I'll probably do it mostly on my own then ... but come to you about once a week," Anna responded. She wanted to spend more time with Andy and while meditating wasn't necessarily the best way to do that, she'd enjoyed herself and felt much better. So if she couldn't find other time with her friend, she'd be joining her meditating ... occasionally, since she didn't want to disrupt her too much.
Anna smiled and nodded, "I'm definitely ready for the day Andy, and ready for the second task." She took a deep breath, choosing to not think about what was in store. That would come soon enough. No use worrying about it now.
@lestrange
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last online Apr 25, 2024 20:24:53 GMT -7
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Jul 13, 2017 15:45:25 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 13, 2017 15:45:25 GMT -7
Andy nodded as Anna said she would just keep doing it this way, and Andy chose not to acknowledge the fact that Anna's face fell when Andy mentioned why she needed it in the first place. Then Anna touched her shoulder, and Andy didn't flinch. She thought she would when she saw her friends hand reaching over, but it gave her time to relax into it. "Me too," Andy whispered back, staring into Anna's eyes intensely for a moment.
"That works," Andy finally said, when Anna mentioned that she would come to her once a week for help. Then Anna said she was more ready for the day and the task, her smile back again. "Good! I think you'll do brilliantly," Andy said with an encouraging smile. She was just glad that Anna was still safe and well. Being a champion wasn't easy.
@annelise
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