Jing (静) – the Silence that lets You Listen to Yourself for Scam Victim Recovery

 The Power of Stillness – a Unique Form of Mindfulness from Ancient China that can Help Scam Victims/Survivors During Recovery

Primary Category: Scam Victim Recovery Mindfulness

Intended Audience: Scam Victims-Survivors / Family & Friends

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

Jing (静), the ancient Chinese concept of stillness, offers scam victims a powerful tool for emotional recovery and self-reconnection. After experiencing deception and betrayal, victims often struggle with intrusive thoughts, self-blame, and emotional exhaustion. Jing provides a way to step back from the chaos and allow healing to unfold naturally. By cultivating moments of stillness, scam survivors can regain confidence in their decision-making, reduce the emotional grip of their experience, and reconnect with their inner wisdom rather than external fear.

Through mindful practices such as deep breathing, quiet reflection, and engagement with nature, victims can slow down their nervous system, lessen anxiety, and create space for self-trust to emerge once again. Jing is not about avoiding pain but about allowing it to be processed with clarity and acceptance. By incorporating Jing into daily life, survivors build resilience, find balance, and ultimately move forward in their recovery with a renewed sense of strength and peace.

 Jing (静): The Power of Stillness – a Unique Form of Mindfulness from Ancient China that Can Help Scam Victims/Survivors During Recovery

For scam victims, the aftermath of deception can be chaotic and overwhelming. The emotional turmoil—shame, anger, grief, and self-doubt—often creates a storm of thoughts that seem impossible to quiet. Recovery can feel like a relentless mental battle, making it difficult to focus, reflect, or regain a sense of stability.

What is 静 Jing

This is the concept of Jing (静)—is not just the absence of noise but an intentional state of mindfulness, a space where scam victims can listen to themselves, process emotions, and find inner balance. By practicing Jing, survivors can learn to separate their true selves from the emotional pain of their experience and begin the journey toward recovery with clarity and self-compassion.

In certain philosophical and meditative contexts, Jing (静, jìng)—which means “stillness,” “quietness,” or “tranquility”—is an essential concept in Daoism, Buddhism, and traditional Chinese thought.

Jing (静) as Stillness and Inner Awareness

• • Jing represents the calmness required to listen to oneself and the universe.
  • It is the foundation of deep introspection, allowing a person to cultivate wisdom, clarity, and harmony with the natural flow of life.
  • In Daoist and Zen practices, achieving Jing means quieting the external noise, silencing inner turmoil, and becoming receptive to the deeper truths that exist beyond daily distractions.

Jing in Daoism and Meditation

• • Laozi (Lao Tzu) emphasized the importance of stillness, stating in the Dao De Jing (道德经):
    “Attain utmost emptiness, hold to profound stillness” (致虚极，守静笃).
    This suggests that only through quieting the mind can one align with the Dao (the Way) and perceive the deeper rhythms of existence.
  • In Qigong and Tai Chi, practitioners cultivate Jing to attune themselves to their inner energy (Qi) and the natural world.
  • Confucianism also values Jing as a means of fostering self-discipline and moral clarity.

Jing as Deep Listening

• • The modern world is filled with noise—both external and internal. Practicing Jing allows a person to listen not just with their ears, but with their heart and spirit.
  • Through Jing, one can perceive subtle energies, emotions, and universal patterns that would otherwise go unnoticed in a restless state.
  • In traditional Chinese wisdom, true insight arises not from constant action, but from the ability to remain still and fully absorb the world around you.

How to Cultivate Jing

• • Meditation – Sitting in silence and observing thoughts without attachment.
  • Breathwork – Deep breathing exercises to slow down the mind.
  • Nature Connection – Spending time in quiet natural settings to harmonize with the universe.
  • Mindful Listening – Truly hearing oneself and others without the urge to respond immediately.

Jing as a Path to Wisdom

By embracing stillness, we allow truth to surface naturally. The universe speaks in whispers, and only through Jing can we hear it.

Would you like me to explore Jing in relation to healing, recovery, or another area of interest?

Jing in Ancient Wisdom

The concept of “Jing” (静) in ancient Chinese culture embodies ideas of stillness, tranquility, calm, and quietness, often used in philosophical, martial, and meditative contexts. Here are some ancient Chinese quotes and sayings related to “Jing”:

• “动中求静” (dòng zhōng qiú jìng) – “Seek stillness in movement” – This is one of the guiding principles of Yang style Tai Chi from Grandmaster Yang Chengfu, highlighting the importance of maintaining inner calm even during physical activity.
• “静以修身” (jìng yǐ xiū shēn) – “Use tranquility to cultivate oneself” – This saying emphasizes the value of inner peace for self-improvement and moral cultivation.
• “静如止水” (jìng rú zhǐ shuǐ) – “Calm like still water” – This phrase, often used in martial arts like Tai Chi, describes a state of complete inner peace and balance, akin to the stillness of water without ripples.
• “心静如水” (xīn jìng rú shuǐ) – “The heart/mind calm like water” – This proverb suggests achieving a serene, undisturbed state of mind, which is central to many Eastern philosophies, particularly in practices like meditation.
• “静能生慧” (jìng néng shēng huì) – “Tranquility gives rise to wisdom” – This saying reflects the belief that a quiet mind can generate insight and wisdom, a principle deeply rooted in Taoism and Buddhism.
• “静中含动” (jìng zhōng hán dòng) – “Stillness contains movement” – This is another martial arts and philosophical concept where even in apparent stillness, there is potential for action or change, suggesting a dynamic balance between stillness and activity.

Understanding Jing: Why Stillness is Essential for Healing

Jing is the practice of inner quiet—a deliberate slowing down to allow thoughts, emotions, and awareness to settle. In traditional Chinese philosophy, it is believed that when the mind is still, the heart can speak. This concept is particularly important for scam victims, whose minds are often trapped in cycles of regret, guilt, and frustration. The aftermath of being deceived can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, mentally cluttered, and emotionally drained. By embracing Jing, scam survivors can create a space for reflection, self-restoration, and emotional balance.

When someone has been scammed, they often feel the need to act immediately—to fix the situation, to seek justice, or to punish themselves for their perceived mistakes. However, constant mental and emotional overactivity only leads to more stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Jing offers a counterbalance to this chaotic inner turmoil. It provides a space of stillness where survivors can step back, breathe, and gradually rebuild their sense of self-trust, clarity, and peace.

Here’s why Jing is so important in the recovery process and how it directly benefits scam victims:

It Allows Victims to Hear Their Own Thoughts Without Judgment

After a scam, victims often experience intrusive thoughts that loop in their minds. They replay the deception over and over, questioning themselves:

• • • How did I fall for this?
    • Why didn’t I see the signs?
    • I should have known better.

These self-critical thoughts reinforce feelings of shame and regret, making it difficult for victims to move forward. Many survivors try to push these thoughts away, distracting themselves with work, social media, or other external activities. But avoiding these emotions does not resolve them—it only delays the healing process.

Jing creates a space where scam victims can acknowledge their thoughts without being consumed by them. When practicing stillness, victims learn to observe their thoughts rather than react emotionally to them. Instead of engaging in endless self-criticism, they can step back and simply witness their inner dialogue. This shift in perspective helps break the cycle of self-blame and allows for self-compassion to emerge.

By embracing Jing, scam victims can start to say:

• • • I recognize that I feel guilt, but I do not need to punish myself for it.
    • I see that I am angry, and that is valid, but I will not let it define me.
    • I acknowledge my pain, and I will allow myself to heal.

Jing is not about silencing emotions—it is about creating a neutral space where emotions can be processed without judgment. This practice fosters emotional resilience and helps victims reclaim control over their inner narrative.

It Slows Down the Fight-or-Flight Response

One of the most damaging effects of being scammed is that it triggers the brain’s fight-or-flight response. When the deception is first discovered, the victim’s body floods with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing them to react to danger. This response is useful in immediate threats, but when it remains activated for weeks or months, it leads to chronic anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty thinking clearly.

Many scam victims experience:

• • • Hypervigilance – Feeling constantly on edge, as though another deception is just around the corner.
    • Panic and Anxiety Attacks – Sudden surges of fear, racing thoughts, or shortness of breath.
    • Emotional Numbness – Feeling detached from emotions or unable to experience joy.
    • Insomnia – An inability to sleep due to the mind replaying the scam repeatedly.

Jing helps reset the nervous system by slowing down mental and physical hyperactivity. Through practices like deep breathing, meditation, and quiet reflection, Jing signals to the brain that it is safe to relax. When the body enters a state of stillness, stress hormone levels decrease, and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking) becomes more active.

This shift is essential for scam victims, as it enables them to regain emotional balance and move from panic mode to a state of calm awareness. When the fight-or-flight response is no longer controlling their thoughts, victims can begin to process their experiences in a healthier way and take steps toward recovery without feeling overwhelmed.

It Creates Clarity in Decision-Making

Scam victims often feel mentally paralyzed after their experience. They may struggle to decide how to move forward, who to trust, or what actions to take next. The stress and emotional weight of the scam create mental fog, making it difficult to think clearly.

Many survivors hesitate to:

• • • Report the scam – They fear embarrassment, disbelief, or that no one will help them.
    • Seek support – They worry about judgment or being seen as “weak.”
    • Move forward – They feel stuck in their grief, unsure of their next steps.

Jing helps clear away mental clutter, allowing scam victims to see their situation more objectively. Instead of reacting out of fear or distress, they can slow down and listen to their own inner wisdom.

Through stillness and deep listening, survivors can begin to ask themselves:

• • • What do I truly need right now?
    • What small step can I take today to move forward?
    • Who are the people I trust to support me in my recovery?

By cultivating mental clarity through Jing, scam victims regain the ability to make thoughtful, deliberate decisions rather than reacting impulsively from a place of emotional turmoil. This helps them navigate their recovery journey with more confidence and self-assurance.

It Restores Self-Trust

Scammers manipulate victims into doubting their own judgment. Jing helps survivors reconnect with their own intuition, reminding them that they are capable of making sound decisions.

Perhaps one of the most devastating effects of a scam is the loss of self-trust. Scammers manipulate their victims into doubting their own intuition, intelligence, and decision-making skills. Many victims no longer trust themselves, fearing that they will be deceived again or make another painful mistake.

This self-doubt leads to:

• • • Fear of making decisions – Victims second-guess everything they do.
    • Avoidance of relationships – They fear trusting people again.
    • Low self-esteem – They feel like they are “foolish” or “easily tricked.”

Jing provides a path back to self-trust by helping victims reconnect with their intuition. When practicing stillness, survivors can learn to differentiate between fear-driven thoughts and genuine inner wisdom.

For example:

• • • Instead of thinking, I can’t trust myself, they can reflect, I made a mistake, but I can learn from it.
    • Instead of believing, I will never make a good decision again, they can remind themselves, I have the ability to grow and make wiser choices.

Jing teaches scam victims that their inner voice is not broken—it has simply been buried under fear and self-doubt. By creating space for quiet reflection, they can gradually rebuild their trust in themselves and learn to navigate the world with renewed confidence.

Embracing Jing as a Tool for Recovery

The practice of Jing is a powerful tool for scam victims seeking to heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It offers a way to:

• • • Detach from self-blame and observe thoughts without judgment.
    • Calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and emotional distress.
    • Find clarity in decision-making and navigate recovery with confidence.
    • Rebuild self-trust and reconnect with inner wisdom.

Recovery from a scam is not an overnight process, but by incorporating stillness, self-awareness, and gentle reflection, survivors can create a foundation for lasting healing. Jing is not about forgetting the past—it is about learning to exist in the present with acceptance, grace, and resilience.

How to Practice Jing in Scam Recovery

Jing is not about forcing the mind into silence but rather allowing it to settle naturally, like still water. Scam victims often find themselves overwhelmed with emotions, intrusive thoughts, and an internal dialogue that is difficult to escape. Jing provides a method to quiet the mental chaos—not by suppressing thoughts but by observing them without resistance. In this way, it becomes an essential tool in scam recovery, allowing survivors to regain control over their emotions, calm their nervous system, and begin to trust themselves again.

Below are step-by-step practices to incorporate Jing into your healing journey:

Step 1: Creating a Space for Stillness

To practice Jing effectively, it is important to create a space that fosters stillness and inner calm. Finding a quiet place where there are minimal distractions is the first step. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a quiet spot in a park, or even a simple chair where you feel at ease. The goal is to create an environment that feels safe, where your mind can begin to slow down.

Once you find your space, sit comfortably with your back straight and your feet grounded. If you prefer, you can sit cross-legged on the floor, but comfort is the key—this is not about rigid posture but about creating a sense of ease. Close your eyes or soften your gaze to minimize distractions. Then, take three deep breaths, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. With each breath, allow your body to relax a little more, releasing tension in your shoulders, jaw, and hands.

• • • Find a quiet place where you feel safe and undisturbed.
    • Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet on the ground, or in a relaxed cross-legged position.
    • Close your eyes or soften your gaze to reduce distractions.
    • Take three deep breaths, letting your body relax.

Step 2: Listening Without Reacting

One of the biggest challenges scam victims face is the constant loop of self-blame, regret, and frustration. Jing encourages a different approach—not to fight these thoughts, but to listen without reacting. Instead of trying to suppress the emotions that arise, simply observe them, as though watching passing clouds in the sky.

If guilt or sadness comes up, acknowledge it. Say to yourself, “This is a feeling. I don’t have to become it.” Rather than being pulled into the depths of these emotions, Jing allows you to sit beside them, neither resisting nor indulging in them. When your mind tries to pull you into past memories or anxious thoughts about the future, gently return your attention to the present moment.

Ask yourself, “What am I truly feeling right now?” and then just listen. There is no need to force an answer. Sometimes, clarity does not come immediately, but in stillness, the mind gradually reveals what it has been struggling to process.

• • • Instead of trying to stop thoughts, observe them without engaging.
    • If emotions arise, acknowledge them but let them pass like clouds in the sky.
    • Ask yourself, “What am I truly feeling?” and just listen.

Step 3: Grounding Through the Body

Jing is not just about mental stillness; it also involves reconnecting with the body. Trauma, including the trauma of being scammed, often disconnects victims from their physical presence, leaving them feeling numb, restless, or stuck in cycles of stress. By grounding through the body, survivors can reestablish a sense of security and presence.

Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe deeply, allowing your belly to expand as you inhale and contract as you exhale. Feel the rhythm of your breath, the sensation of your hands resting against your body, the warmth of your skin. These physical sensations anchor you in the present moment, pulling you away from distressing thoughts and grounding you in reality.

Another powerful practice is mindful movement. Whether it’s walking slowly, drinking a cup of tea, or simply placing your hands under warm running water, these small actions become a form of Jing when done with full attention. By focusing on the sensations—how the floor feels under your feet, the heat of the tea against your lips, the sound of water—you create space between yourself and your emotions, allowing clarity to emerge naturally.

• • • Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
    • Breathe deeply, feeling the movement of your breath.
    • Let the physical sensation anchor you in the present moment, pulling you away from painful memories or anxious thoughts.

Step 4: Connecting with the Stillness in the World

Jing is not just an internal experience; it is also about recognizing the stillness that already exists in the world around you. Even in the busiest environments, there are moments of quiet—the way the air feels in the early morning, the steady rhythm of the wind, the faint sounds of birds or distant traffic. By tuning into these external moments of stillness, you reinforce the practice of inner stillness.

Step outside, if possible, and listen. Instead of focusing on your thoughts, pay attention to the natural world. Feel the temperature of the air on your skin. Listen to the small sounds in the distance. Observe the stillness in nature—the way a tree stands unmoving, the gentle movement of leaves. Even in an urban environment, there are quiet moments to be found. The more you recognize stillness around you, the easier it becomes to cultivate stillness within.

• • • Jing is not just internal; it also means listening to the silence around you.
    • Tune into the quiet sounds of nature, the hum of your home, or your own heartbeat.
    • Recognize that the world continues beyond the scam—you are still here, still whole, still capable.

Step 5: Releasing the Need for Immediate Answers

Many scam victims feel an urgent need to fix everything at once—whether it’s recovering lost finances, repairing broken trust, or simply making sense of what happened. This need for immediate resolution can lead to frustration and overwhelm, making healing feel impossible. Jing teaches that answers come in their own time.

Instead of pressuring yourself to find solutions, trust that stillness itself will bring clarity. When the mind is crowded with urgency and panic, it cannot think clearly. But when you allow yourself to sit in quiet acceptance, insights will naturally arise. Solutions will present themselves—not through force, but through allowing space for them to emerge.

• • • Many scam victims feel an urgent need to “fix” everything immediately.
    • Jing teaches that answers come in time—rushing does not lead to clarity.
    • Trust that by allowing stillness, your path forward will naturally become clearer.

Jing is a practice, not a destination. Some days, it will feel easier to sit in stillness; other days, your thoughts may be relentless. That is okay. The goal is not perfection but consistency. Even five minutes of daily stillness can create profound shifts over time, helping scam victims move from a place of chaos and self-doubt to a state of calm, awareness, and self-trust.

Through Jing, scam survivors can reclaim their sense of inner stability, learning to trust not only themselves but the quiet wisdom that emerges when they allow themselves to simply be.

Daily Jing Practices for Scam Survivors

Jing is not a one-time exercise but a practice that, when cultivated, becomes part of daily life. The more frequently it is practiced, the more naturally it integrates into one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For scam survivors, making space for moments of stillness throughout the day can be a powerful tool for managing emotions, reducing stress, and rebuilding self-trust. Below are several ways to incorporate Jing into daily life, each designed to help scam victims restore inner balance and move forward at their own pace.

Start Your Morning in Stillness

The way you begin your morning has a profound impact on how the rest of your day unfolds. Many scam survivors wake up with immediate thoughts of regret, anxiety, or fear, feeling overwhelmed by the reality of their situation. Instead of reaching for your phone, checking emails, or diving into mental distress, start the day in intentional stillness.

Find a quiet space and sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, allowing your body and mind to wake up gently. As thoughts begin to surface—whether about the scam, your recovery, or other worries—simply observe them without judgment. Let them come and go, like waves on the shore.

This practice helps set the tone for the day, creating a sense of control before the external world starts demanding attention. By making stillness your first action of the day, you remind yourself that your healing is in your hands. Over time, this practice can lessen morning anxiety and replace it with a sense of calm and quiet empowerment.

Take a Jing Break When Overwhelmed

Scam recovery is emotionally exhausting. There are moments when feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, or fear become so intense that they feel unbearable. Instead of reacting impulsively or becoming consumed by these emotions, take a Jing Break—a deliberate pause to reset your nervous system and regain control of your thoughts.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, step away from whatever you are doing. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. With each breath, visualize tension leaving your body. Feel your feet on the ground, your hands resting at your sides, and the present moment anchoring you.

This practice can be done anywhere and anytime—before answering a stressful phone call, after reading a distressing email, or in the middle of an anxiety attack. Even two minutes of intentional stillness can slow your heart rate, lower stress hormones, and allow you to return to a more balanced state. The more often you practice these Jing Breaks, the more effective they become in helping you manage emotions and avoid feeling powerless.

Reflect on Your Progress Without Judgment

One of the most harmful effects of being scammed is the overwhelming sense of self-blame and regret. Many victims replay the events in their minds, fixating on what they “should have done differently.” These thoughts can keep victims trapped in a cycle of shame and self-punishment, preventing them from moving forward.

Each evening, set aside a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect on your day. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, shift your attention to what went right, no matter how small. Did you get out of bed even when you didn’t feel like it? Did you resist the urge to isolate yourself? Did you take even the smallest step toward recovery?

Self-reflection in the spirit of Jing is not about criticism—it is about awareness. It allows you to recognize that healing is a process, and every small effort counts. Over time, this practice helps reframe your perspective, making it easier to see progress rather than only focusing on setbacks. It builds self-compassion, a crucial component in emotional recovery.

Engage in Gentle Movement with Awareness

Jing is not only about stillness—it is also about mindful presence in everyday activities. Many scam survivors experience high levels of anxiety, causing them to feel disconnected from their bodies. This can lead to restlessness, insomnia, or physical tension. Engaging in gentle movement with full awareness can help bring calm and stability back into the body and mind.

Simple activities like walking, stretching, drinking tea, or even washing dishes can become powerful Jing practices if done with intention. Instead of rushing through them while lost in thought, slow down and focus completely on the action. Notice the warmth of the tea cup in your hands, the sensation of water on your skin, the movement of your feet as you walk.

By practicing mindfulness in small physical activities, scam survivors can retrain their brains to focus on the present rather than anxieties about the past or future. These small moments of awareness build a foundation of mental clarity, self-control, and peace.

Use Nature as a Source of Stillness

Nature has an incredible ability to restore emotional and psychological balance. Scam victims, who often feel disconnected from the world around them, can use the natural environment as a tool for healing. Simply stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, and observing the natural world can bring a sense of grounding and peace.

Take time to sit in a park, watch the clouds move, listen to birds singing, or feel the wind on your skin. These small interactions with nature help reinforce the sense of stillness that Jing cultivates. If going outside is not an option, you can bring nature inside—keeping a small plant, listening to calming nature sounds, or even watching videos of natural landscapes.

Nature reminds scam victims that life continues beyond their pain, and that, just like the changing seasons, healing is a process that unfolds over time. Connecting with the quiet strength of the natural world reinforces the idea that recovery is possible, and that stillness does not mean stagnation—it means transformation.

Bringing Jing Into Your Daily Life

Incorporating Jing into your daily routine is a powerful way to regain control over your emotions and recovery process. Whether it’s starting the morning in stillness, taking a break when overwhelmed, reflecting without judgment, moving with awareness, or connecting with nature—each practice strengthens resilience and inner peace.

Jing is a reminder that healing does not have to be rushed. It teaches scam survivors that stillness is not passive—it is an active choice to create space for growth and self-compassion. By embracing these small but meaningful moments of quiet reflection, scam victims can begin to rebuild their sense of self, find clarity in their journey, and move forward with strength and serenity.

The Transformation Jing Brings to Recovery

By practicing Jing regularly, scam victims begin to reclaim their sense of self. Stillness does not mean avoidance—it means allowing space for healing to occur naturally. Over time, Jing helps survivors:

• Regain confidence in their decision-making.
• Reduce the emotional grip of the scam experience.
• Reconnect with inner wisdom rather than external fear.
• Develop resilience by staying centered in the present.

The journey of recovery for scam victims is often fraught with self-doubt, overwhelming emotions, and a lingering sense of betrayal. However, through the practice of Jing, survivors gradually begin to reclaim their sense of self. Stillness does not equate to avoidance; rather, it allows space for healing to unfold naturally. It offers a sanctuary from the relentless internal dialogue of self-blame and fear, giving victims the opportunity to step back and see themselves outside of the scam experience. As they embrace stillness, they learn that healing is not about forcing change but about creating an environment where change can take root organically.

One of the most significant transformations Jing brings is the restoration of confidence in decision-making. Scam victims often struggle with trusting themselves after being manipulated, fearing that they are incapable of recognizing deception. They may hesitate in making even the smallest choices, questioning their ability to judge situations correctly. By practicing stillness, survivors reconnect with their intuition and learn to distinguish between fear-driven hesitations and genuine caution. Over time, they develop the ability to trust their own instincts again, understanding that one painful experience does not define their entire ability to navigate the world.

Jing also plays a crucial role in reducing the emotional grip of the scam experience. Many victims find themselves trapped in a cycle of intrusive thoughts, constantly replaying the events in their minds and reliving the pain of betrayal. The emotional weight of these thoughts can be suffocating, making it difficult to focus on anything else. However, through stillness, survivors begin to observe their thoughts without becoming consumed by them. They recognize that while their pain is valid, it does not have to control them. Over time, the emotional charge of these memories lessens, allowing them to regain a sense of peace rather than remaining stuck in distress.

Another powerful benefit of Jing is that it helps scam victims reconnect with their inner wisdom rather than being governed by external fear. After experiencing deception, survivors often feel disconnected from their true selves, as though their sense of identity has been shaken. They may find themselves consumed by external voices—whether it is the judgment of others, the fear of being deceived again, or the overwhelming pressure to recover quickly. Jing brings them back to their own center. By sitting in stillness, they learn to listen to their inner voice once more, understanding that they are not defined by what happened to them. This reconnection with self enables them to move forward with greater clarity and self-assurance.

Lastly, Jing cultivates resilience by keeping survivors anchored in the present moment. When recovering from a scam, it is easy to become lost in regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. Victims often struggle with “what if” thoughts—what if they had noticed the signs earlier, what if they had done something differently, what if they never fully recover? These thoughts create a sense of helplessness, pulling them further away from the present. However, by engaging in stillness, survivors learn to remain centered in what is happening now. They recognize that while they cannot change the past or predict the future, they have control over this moment. This realization builds resilience, empowering them to take each step of recovery with renewed strength and focus.

Jing does not erase the pain of a scam, nor does it offer instant solutions, but it provides something equally valuable—a way forward. It teaches scam victims that healing is not about forcing themselves to move on but about creating the space for healing to unfold naturally. Through stillness, they learn to trust themselves again, to lessen the emotional weight of their past, and to move forward with clarity and resilience. The practice of Jing becomes a foundation upon which they rebuild their lives, not as victims but as individuals who have reclaimed their strength and wisdom.

Final Thoughts: Recovery Through Stillness

Scam victims do not need to rush their healing. Jing reminds us that stillness is a powerful force for transformation. In a world that demands action, pausing to listen to yourself can be the most healing step of all.

By embracing Jing, scam survivors can find peace within themselves, regain clarity, and ultimately move forward with renewed strength.

Would you be open to trying this practice today? Even just a few minutes of stillness might change how you feel.

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If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

SCARS Resources:

• Getting Started: ScamVictimsSupport.org
• FREE enrollment in the SCARS Institute training programs for scam victims SCARSeducation.org
• For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
• Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
• Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
• Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
• Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Learn more about the Psychology of Scams and Scam Victims: ScamPsychology.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: International Suicide Hotlines – OpenCounseling : OpenCounseling
• Campaign To End Scam Victim Blaming – 2024 (scamsnow.com)

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

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