Day 42 What I have Learned and Where I am headed!

I have just completed the Structured educational program. After 8 years of chronic back pain, 2 debilitating acute episodes (completely bedridden) per year, physical therapies, muscle relaxers, etc., I read Sarno's book, unconvinced, yet desperate. I found this wiki and began the program. In this short time I went from brace and cane to taking walks everyday, traveling in a car for hours and generally pain free. I have the ability to talk myself out of back spasms. I have learned that, after 8 years of conditioning, my brain will need time to fully reject that conditioning and replace it with a healthy body image. Fortunately, it will not take 8 years to do! I say this for those whose progress is slow. Retraining can take time but the rewards are amazing. I will be continuing to do mindful meditation, read articles on this site and journal. The success stories have really helped me to see that I am not unique and that some people conquered even worse conditions. I have also learned to be kinder to myself. Thank you for this site and for those who have recovered and continue to cheer us on!

 

Glad your doing well. I finished the SEP a couple of weeks ago and feel alot better for the experience. I still having alot of healing to do but i am getting there slowly. I give the journalling a little break to concentrate on meditation and giving myself a break which has really helped. Meditation and deep breathing is really therapeutic I find. I still have day where I doubt like most. I fluctuate between 85-100% but I think its only natural.