Going to Thamkrabok End of May 2013, Questions

[merri...@yahoo.com]

I am heading to Thamkrabok the end of May and have a few questions.

Mosquito's are an issue? Is there a place to hang a net above my sleeping mat, or do I need something freestanding. 

Do I need to bring detergent to wash my clothes?

I see that you can use phones and internet on certain days after detox. Is there a place to lock them up when not in use? A place to charge? I'm coming from the US. Do I need some sort of converter to charge an I phone and I pad? Although I plan to unplug for the most part, I would like to be able to text/email my family and let them know I am OK.

Is there anything I can bring for others that may be on a tighter budget? Or for the surrounding community?

I am very nervous and excited. I've been battling alcohol for years, having had periods of sobriety, but still feeling empty for the most part. Then my son died and it has taken on a life of it's own within mine.
Not even sure why I keep doing it. When the temporary relief, is followed by more misery having indulged. It cuts me off spiritually and from others.
I am ever hopeful that my experience there will help me confront myself, my suffering and learn new tools to live. The thought of taking the Sajja and breaking it is a real fear for me. 

On the website I read..
One starts to nourish darkness instead  of one's Inner Light.
How true this has been for me.

There was also a quote..
"Don't forget one thing: the hero is not made in those proud hours after victory but in the long, desperate and hellish hours as he passes through darkness without giving up!"
I'm ready and willing to do the hard work.
I have long since abandoned old friends and have a great support system to come home to. Funny thing about that is you have to use your support,not hide from it and retreat into your darkness. Which I continually seem to do.

Ever hopeful,
Merritt

[audrey...@eircom.net]

Hi Merritt,

Its been four years since I was there but I will answer as much as I can, I am from Ireland by the way. I would like to start of with sending you so many blessings and credit for your courage and choice.


Mosquito net
Yes there I was able to hang a mosquito net up in the ladies dorm, and it is advisable to bring a net and use it. Bring strong mosquito repellant, I used it every evening and as soon as I got up in the morning. There is lemon lotion that is sold over there, this worked for the locals if you run out but did not work for me.

Clothes
When you arrive you will remove your clothes and put on the red uniform. You should have a seperate plastic bag to put these clothes into away from other stuff in your case as you will not get a chance to wash these for a while and after travelling they will go musty and can smell depending on how long they are in your case before washing, could be a month. Your case and all most of your belongings bar some essentials and books etc. will be taken off you before you are admitted to the Hay. So don't wear your best clothes travelling. You may get a chance to wash them after a week but they should be wrapped separate from other clothes. When you are in your uniform you will wash and go as the days go by, changing into a new uniform, these are rotated through out your stay. I cannot remember but I think I washed them with shampoo, but if you want to bring detergent, bring a travel one and make sure its sealed unopened or you will not be allowed it.

Mobile and Internet
Regarding phones and internet, its not what you are thinking, on allocated days, I remember Wednesdays and Saturdays and Sundays, there is about an hour where you are brought to the office and you are given a Thai mobile to call who it is you need or want to call. You will pay for these calls at the end of your stay. Your own mobile is locked up safe with your belongings. So make sure you have the phone numbers written down of who you want to contact. I do not think there is a set system for internet, but they can help you if you want to send an email, from there pc's, there is no open access to internet and you will not have your laptop, ipads etc. You can charge up your technology before you go home, so make arrangements for this. As for electricity converters, from Ireland we did need an Irish/Thai one so I am presuming you need American/Thai one. Any electrical or travel agents will be able to help you there, or you can look it up on the net. If you give the monastery email addresses, they will email your family and let them know you are safe on arrival.

Money/Donation
It is pretty strict but share what you want, you do not use your own money but exchange it for special money vouchers which you can use in the shop and eating area. These are allocated to you per day, depending on your needs. The best option if you do not use up your vouchers everyday is to share then with whomever you see fit. There are a lot of Thai residents who do not have any money. But if you have spare cash, my own choice would be to give a donation at the end of your stay to Thamkrabok and the wonderful monks and nuns who dedicate themselves and do for us what our own countries cannot offer as appreciation. It will go along way so they can continue to take in addicts who have nothing but a bit of hope in the future. You can be sure it will go to the right cause.


I really feel for your loss. Pain is so great in times like these. However you dealt with it, just accept that but it no longer serves you now, it had its purpose but you have grown and are ready to move on. Shake away the guilt and blame from drinking. It got you where you have arrived. It starts from today. It looks like you have been very intelligent in your plans and have left negative influences and have support. The hardest part is when you come home emotionally, old habits. Thamkrabok is extremely difficult, but its the best investment I ever made for myself and my family. It is much easier to go back on your addiction if you have come off it softly and medicated through it. But when you do it naturally and you feel it physically and emotionally, no buffers, you will remember how hard it was and that in itself will help you. No one ever regrets Thamkrabok even though they could be home months before they appreciate it and nearly everyone wants to go back to visit, in a sober capacity. It is something you cannot describe, explain and have to experience and there is a unique group who are part of that family. You are very welcome.

I am sure you may get other answers and additional help,

warmest thoughts and brave hope

with metta

Audrey

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[brian mccarthy]

Hi Merritt, I was in TKB about 3-4 yrs ago I think an wud def reccomend taking Audrey's advice. I found the dome shaped mosquito net worked best an yes PLENTY of repellant! Us westerners get eatin alive by em!              I relapsed 15 months after bein back an hav bin on methadone for 2 yrs now but I NEVER got more than a coupl of months sober before TKB. I can't explain but it's given me a sense of spirituality and its true that goin cold turkey makes u appreciate it alot more but the fact that ur not suffering alone. The friends u make and help eachother thru it all makes a serious difference.. I'm goin back to Thailand in 3-4 mnths wen I'm detoxed, I'm goin to the new life foundation for a month. I'm looking forward t getting clean & sober again an holdin onto it. Ther is something really special about TKB an u mite not think that while goin thru the horrors but wen ur home it's like something has shifted FINALLY I wish u all the best and it is so worth it.  Take care and stay strong, u sound very determined :)

[Vince Cullen]

Thanks Audrey and Brian.

Merritt, I don't think there is anything else that I can add other than to say that the most common regret that I hear from individuals after Thamkrabok is "I didn't appreciate it when I was there".

Vince
 
(h)  +44 (0) 1635-552665
(m) +44 (0) 7909-545380

www.5th-precept.org
www.TARA-detox.org
www.HungryGhostRetreats.org
_________________________________

He who formerly was reckless
and afterwards became sober,
brightens up this world,
like the moon when freed from clouds.
________________________________
The Buddha (DHAMMAPADA verse #172)

[brian mccarthy]

Ya i must admit lookin back it was amazing, but it's hard to see that while goin thru the horrors! If I cud I wud go der again in an instant but I totally understand why it's a one off chance... I'm takin a different route by detoxin in a centre in Ireland an den over to the new life foundation.  Oh to be clean again will b amazing now iv had a taste of real sobriety thanks to Thamkrabok.....

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[merri...@yahoo.com]

Thank you so much for the information!  It was very helpful.  I had also emailed the Nun about what I could bring for others. She said sheets. I am assuming it is just some sort of mat to sleep on. So just flat twin sheets? Or do you think I should bring sets? Bottom ,top and pillow case?

Thank you again!

[William Callaway]

flat twin sheets and maybe some pillow cases.  a towel and a wash cloth also.. a favorite bar of soap and shampoo.  toothbrush and toothpaste. 

 

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www.watkaolang.blogspot.com

 

[audrey...@eircom.net]

I found that a duvet cover was the best. Use it as a top and bottom sheet all in one, like a sleeping bag but lighter. It tends to stop legs and arms poking out thus preventing any unwanted bites. Its also a comfort for modesty reasons. You feel secure, covered and if you are cold for any reason they do give you blankets which you can put over the duvet. On the sentimental side I brought my daughters and her pillowcase. Bring your own pillow to as the pillows are harder than you would be used to, it is also a good thing to have on the plane. Hope this helps, if I think of anything else I will add.

warmest

Audrey


----- Original Message -----
From: merri...@yahoo.com
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com

[William Callaway]

those neck pillow for airplane travel work fairly good for pillows.  I don't know what a duvet cover is.. guess I'll have to google it. 

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www.watkaolang.blogspot.com

 

[jim]

How did you get the money for travel expenses. Are you coming from the United States I too would like to attend that seminar I would need airfare for me and my wife

Sent from my iPhone
Amor De Rey

[Vince Cullen]

Lots of good advice being offered here - thanks everyone for sharing.

There is a suggested packing list online
http://www.thamkrabok.net/html/packing_list.html

Kind regards and best wishes to all.

With Metta,

Vince

"Look after your Sajja... and your Sajja will look after you!

[merri...@yahoo.com]

Thank you all so much for the help, information and well wishes!

Jim from the US.... Ive gotten your emails. If your meant to go you'll find a way. I don't think anyone would give an addict money, especially those who are no longer using or trying to stop. I'm using Air Miles that I have been saving for years, plus some given to me by friends who know how serious I am about taking my life in a new direction. I've been saving for the expenses as well.
You mentioned this as a seminar. I think maybe you may not understand what this is about. If your really that broke and desperate, there are state run re-habs. Call your local health department and they can send you in the right direction. They are bare bones, but can be effective. Certainly not as bare bones as I think Thamkrabok will be. The government has a program called Northstar that pays for it. I wish you the best on your journey.

[audrey...@eircom.net]

We will be here Merritt, just ask when you think of anything.

[audrey...@eircom.net]

To Merritt and anyone who may have received an email from Jim.

Merritt, as I said in a previous email any extra you have left over should be given to the monks when in Thamkrabok. I am sorry you seemed to have received emails from Jim. I have had words with Jim before as he has come on looking for money a few times. I will not assume whether he is genuine or not. But my advise is that no one gives an addict money. Commitment means motivation and if motivated, you will get money. It is a co incidence that you said you wanted to help with those less well off and to your credit, however I would like anyone who is on this not to mention money except perhaps what they would need themselves. I noticed Jim has come on after your offer and now he is looking for a fare for his wife to. Totally unreasonable especially if he cannot afford his own fare. I believe Vince will be looking into this matter. Jim when you where looking for money before and you said it would just be a loan and you would pay it back, in the time that has passed, the money you would have paid back would certainly have paid for your fare by now had you saved it. So perhaps your commitment is not strong enough yet. You also mentioned your invalid mother and you had no one to look after her, I cannot help but think that it would be a bad idea therefore if funds are so bad and help is not easy to come by how it is a good idea that your wife goes. I am sorry but your story changes and I am not happy with you at all on this. You refer to Thamkrabok as a seminar. Please do not think that the good hearted people on this are unintelligent. I leave all else to a higher spirit. But I trust no one blindly donates or gives to anyone asking for money on this forum.


Best intentions are in my heart for anyone feeling emotionally blackmailed or conflicted with this matter.

bless you all

Audrey

----- Original Message -----
From: merri...@yahoo.com
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com

[audrey...@eircom.net]

Jim, Merritt was able to give you some advise on whats available in America, unfortunately I can not offer you that as I am in Ireland. I do see you are desperate and you want to go, be realistic with yourself. It would be great if you could get some support where Merritt suggested, but in the meantime I am not sure what your addiction is, mine was mostly prescription drugs, Valium to pain killers, very hard withdrawals and hard to manage on your own. I do understand that you are desperate to get help and Thamkrabok is a great place, but it is up to you to find a way to go and preferably on your own as the Monastery does not think that couples detoxing together is a good idea. I know I was straight with you about looking for money on the forum as it can upset people and make them uncomfortable. Most are scraping the money together for themselves. Stay focused and try and work out a plan if you truly want to get there, that plan can include any treatment and help to get you on your way in your own country, do not rule anything out as a step on a ladder. In fact any treatment done in Thamkrabok is made much easier if you have weaned yourself down to a much lower dose, it is less painful and severe and is recommended. Perhaps you could with support create a goal for yourself and lower your usage over a period of time and also during that time save money or work out ways you could make some money in a period over a few months so at the end of the weaning down you might have enough for your stay. It is best to have a goal and take small steps rather than aimlessly hope the money will come from somewhere. It is good to focus and really helps with recovery. I wish there was a magic wand to give you answers but the reality is we must make a list of how we are going to accomplish things. If we can help with your weaning down or you need any advise on how you are feeling to keep you going during this time, please just chat and ask. We are here just for that reason. To help you and others. You will get there, make a list of some steps to take whether its going to see someone or reducing your intake and mark it off day by day as you do it. Have a separate list for finances and tighten up on spending and think hard how you could make money specifically for your journey, find a safe place to put it, maybe pay of bit by bit to a travel agent. Even having something to do to distract you will help you.

Until we have further information from you I do not know what else to say or advise. I know it seems like a long way a way, but six mths ago today seemed like a long way off and its here now. So think hard, you can do it, Im sure your wife can help you and we are here for her to if she has any concerns. I hope you understand that asking for money here is not an option and we have to make that clear. Any other support you need, we can be by your side along the way.

take care

Audrey



----- Original Message -----

From: "jim" <nfpama...@att.net>
To: friends-of-tham...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, 5 May, 2013 9:56:34 PM