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I have seen journaling help some people, so it definitely has some place in healing. I'm inclined to believe that it depends on how that person learns, or sees the world. I always laid my own thoughts out in my head all throughout my days. I ran through the big picture often, causes and effects, how I was reacting, and not reacting, what was going on, etc. So when I began to journal it was like doubling down, I was writing about things that I already saw clearly. I suppose journaling might work better for people who haven't taken the time to slow down and to see things as they are, their life might be moving too fast. I don't know, but I know it works for some people.

But for most I would say it's yet another distraction, an avoidance mechanism, depending on how it's done, or perceived. I desperately needed to un-structure my life from all those types of things like daily programs and writing, etc. I had overburdened my life with those types of mind-numbing tedious responsibilities and needed to throw away the added work of writing my thoughts out. At one point, I suddenly realized that I was writing, and moving, and breathing and whatever I was doing daily, and asked myself why I was doing these things? And the answer was "to heal." But there wasn't anything to heal, the body is ok with TMS. So everything I was "doing to heal" was more deeply integrating that something was wrong with me, when there was not. These things are often the symptom imperative shifting, or better yet extinction induced variability. I still see that trying to heal is the #1 mistake in healing. There's nothing wrong, so what are you trying to heal? As Balto has said "forgive, forget and move on. Life is beautiful." Well said, and well seen.

I understand that the process may be trying to extract a feeling, or ignite an awareness, That's all good and on the right track. But what about those people who have done these things mentally? Does the hand outweigh the mind? Mozart saw the music in his mind before he put it on paper. He said, "You know that I immerse myself in music, so to speak, that I think about it all day long, that I like experimenting, studying, reflecting."

I freed myself from structured healing and began living more mindfully in the present and I immediately healed. I let it all go and became happy as a free person; free from trying. I remember the exact spot I was standing when I had my last pain symptom. I suddenly realized that I was already healed. At that point I began moving away from intellect and into the heart and have been much more successful in helping others heal, and in my personal life.

Journaling might help if it tries to connect head to heart, but it might just add more anger and distraction. Remember, Dr. Sarno stated rightfully on many occasions that "it is the self-imposed demands that cause TMS." If journaling is seen as a new demand it could be counterproductive, if someone enjoys sitting and writing then it may be helpful; to each his own. Also, the emotional pain may be too deep and so the person may need it portioned out in smaller increments through such means as daily writing. It's worth trying. But don't believe people who tell you that you have to journal, or that it's the only way. It's just one tool, at the right time for that right person. If we could forgive we would never need anything, and there would be very few health problems. But ego is the most destructive force in life.

SteveO