Day 1 Hopeful...Again

Hello, everyone,
Like most of you, I've tried nearly everything medical science has to offer. But yesterday I happened to read a pain blog where Dr. Sarno's book was recommended. I downloaded it, and for the past 24 hours, I've read, read, read. His words speak such truth about my body, my mind, my pain, my experience...it's as though he's lived my life.
I've been hopeful before. Before the cortisone shots, before the massage therapy, before the vitamins and iron infusions, before the myriad things I've tried before. Those things worked. Everything works...for 10 minutes. They got my hopes up, only to be dashed again. (I think that was worse than the pain.)
I just read something in the Week O page that said, basically, "Thank your pain/symptom for reminding you that there is still more work to be done."
I'm ready to work.
Once again, I'm hopeful. But something tells me, deep in my deepest knowing -- this will be different.

 

Welcome. Glad to have you here. It's a wonderful forum with a lot of helpful people.

 

Welcome to the SEP, Celtic Lady! I don't know which of Sarno's books you're reading, but Healing Back Pain is the one I read that led to my recovery from horrible back pain.
Many of us have healed from various TMS issues. Blessings on your journey of healing.

 

Hello Celtic Lady,

Your deepest knowing speaks true. Allopathic medicine understands nothing of the Natural World and the wild soul.

Welcome to our oasis and the most fascinating of healing paths.

Blessings,

Plum x

 

Yes, there are many ways to heal from TMS pain. I found the helpful were journaling to discover my repressed emotoins and since finding them and healing, I like meditation, especially the Relaxation Response. Whenever I feel anxious or troubled, the RR pulls me through.

The RR is a wonderful way to practice TMS Mindbody Healing because it changes harmful thinking in the subconscious mind which Dr. John Sarno says causes pain that is not caused by anything structural.

The RR, practiced once or twice a day for 10, 15, or 20 minutes has a profound positive effect on the subconscious mind, relieving or curing everything from anxiety, hypertension, headaches, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, high blood pressure, insomnia, stomach problems, all forms of pain including backaches, abdominal pain, muscle pain, neck, arm, and leg pain, and relieves side affects from cancer and AIDS.

RR is like Transcendental Meditation which is taught by TM specialists who charge hundreds or thousands of dollars. But the RR is free and you can do it yourself.

It is practiced, before a meal. I do it in bed before arising in the morning and again in bed before falling sleep. Often, I only do it 5 or 10 minutes and it works to calm me and put me to sleep.

Just sit in a chair (or lie in bed in the morning or at bedtime), close your eyes, don’t listen to any music, and try to avoid outside noises. Let your mind think of a word such as

"One " which has no real meaning or association. Or say a calming word such as “Calm” or “Peace,” or add the faith or spiritual element by saying a favorite religious word or prayer. Breathe naturally or incorporate Deep Breathing by breathing in through the mouth to inflate the stomach, suck in the stomach while holding the breath for a few seconds, then say the word when you exhale through the mouth.

Say the word silently over and over. At the end of the 10 to 20 minutes, picture and feel yourself as you were when you felt your best, and in a place where you felt that way.

When distracting thoughts arise during the RR, as they will, just tell yourself, “Oh, well,” and go back to repeating your chosen word.

My "word" is a prayer: "God loves me and is protecting me." I say it a few times and go right to sleep. If my mind wanders onto other things, I tell myself"Oh, well," and repeat my mantra silently while deep breathing.

There are several free videos on Youtube about the Relaxation Response. I especially recommend these two by Dr. Benson:





and this one which can put you to sleep:



and