| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| art |
Posted - 02/02/2011 : 14:34:57
I've been posting a lot lately, partly because I've got a lot going on. A million and one injuries of the over-use variety, most bogus, a couple real, a couple indeterminate..
But at a certain point I just find myself letting go of all the worry and fear. Maybe being 60 helps. And anyway, how much time does anyone of us have? I've worried myself sick for years, and I've just had enough. I refuse to allow that pang of fear to acompany every bodily ache and twinge, It's exhausting, unhealthy, and above all self-perpetuating..
I know now that it can be done. Not just barreling through all the so-called injuries, but letting go of the negative emotions.
What will be will be, and I'm giving up trying to control things. I hereby surrender.
And it feels quite good...
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| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Back2-It |
Posted - 02/26/2011 : 14:11:24
quote:
Your prayers are answered, yes there's an In-N-Out at Fisherman's Wharf at 333 Jefferson St. Just had a couple last week, the best fast-food around. Google "The Secret Menu" to order like a pro. I work near-by, PM me if you want to have a TMS chat. You just missed a couple of weeks of 80' weather but now we're back to rain and the rare possibility of snow at sea level this week-end. By the time you get out here it may be back into the 80's again, you never know out here.
Now this is what I call freedom from worry: a In-N-Out Burger. I'm going to be a the mercy of my work schedule, but I will PM and perhaps we can have a TMS and an INO (In-N-Out) chat. |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/24/2011 : 20:14:55
Your prayers are answered, yes there's an In-N-Out at Fisherman's Wharf at 333 Jefferson St. Just had a couple last week, the best fast-food around. Google "The Secret Menu" to order like a pro. I work near-by, PM me if you want to have a TMS chat. You just missed a couple of weeks of 80' weather but now we're back to rain and the rare possibility of snow at sea level this week-end. By the time you get out here it may be back into the 80's again, you never know out here.
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6415
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
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| Back2-It |
Posted - 02/24/2011 : 19:34:51
quote:
I'm on my way to In-N-Out burger for luncheon.
I have to go to San Fran in a couple of weeks. Please, please tell me that there is In-N-Out Burger there. We don't have them in the frozen Midwest and they are legend. They are the Coors beer of the 1970s. The forbidden fat. |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 02/24/2011 : 13:45:33
quote:
Originally posted by LuvtoSew
...although I think the goverment would like us to be disease and pain free till were ready for social security and then drop dead) sorry.
I think you're right on that LtS. That's why the gov, in it's cradle to grave concern for it's citizens, is so interested in regulating and dictating that we don't eat "junk" food. The bean counters have figured out, if we stay healthy, 'til we drop dead, they will have less of our taxes to return to us. In the meantime please pass the Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia--forget the Lite, give me the real deal. I'm on my way to In-N-Out burger for luncheon.
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6415
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
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| LuvtoSew |
Posted - 02/24/2011 : 11:29:57
Well as one oldster to another on here, we are going to get aches and pains, I mean its not like were going to live pain free till 80 and have a heart attack (although I think the goverment would like us to be disease and pain free till were ready for social security and then drop dead) sorry. |
| wrldtrv |
Posted - 02/21/2011 : 16:45:15
Art, I'm sure I'll race through the DOD book too; it's the kind of thing I like to read and I'm surprised it's not something I already read way back in college, since it's one of those social science classics.
You say you have a real hamstring issue? I remember last summer you were going to go for an MRI, but changed your mind. So, did you finally do that?
Coincidentally, my symptom of the day is a very mild case of hamstring tendonitis, something I used to get chronically. Meanwhile, the running hip injury that lasted several months is gone and so is the low back thing I complained about recently.
Do you remember our discussions about minimalist and barefoot running? Well, after enduring almost a year of pf, I started getting more serious about the topic and have been doing quite a few runs, both short and medium, trying a variety of minimalist approaches. Everything from running without orthotics, to running in cheap $5 sneaker. to Vibram Five-Fingers, to completely barefoot. So far, so good. My feet feel stronger and the pf is only occasional now. I actually like running completely barefoot better than any of the half-measures.
Hi forefoot, I'm glad you could relate to some of my comments. You're right to differentiate between conscious fear and hidden. I know all too well my conscious fears and other emotions and could easily make a list, but I know that is only part of the story. Since the brain keeps a record of everything I can speculate about what else might be in the reservoir, as Sarno calls it. |
| Forfeet |
Posted - 02/19/2011 : 02:40:39
wrldtrv,
I so identify with what you have said about your many fears and anxieties and how the body's numerous symptoms seem to be necessary because without them, the other would be too overwhelming. I too have had so many different symptoms of late, I feel like I it really is letting me know what is going on psychologically.
That is not to say that I'm not aware of much of my psychological fears. Fears about getting a job now that I've graduated school, fear that life is passing me by, regrets, shame, and anger about the time I've wasted. I could go on. In the past I have had considerable conscious stress and it seems that what follows is physical symptoms but sometimes the symptoms just seem to be there without the conscious stressors. The biggest problem is that my physical symptoms sure make it less than easy to enjoy doing my current job, which is very physical. And I'm not alone in admitting that the symptoms themselves also contribute to emotional distress.
I must confess I have not done a lot of work around journaling and writing out the emotions and I've justified that by the fact that I'm somewhat aware of them. Perhaps I should just let go or surrender and just start doing it-I obviously have nothing to lose.
I've wanted to try psychotherapy to see if I could do it in conjunction with writing but the TMS therapists I've looked into out here in SoCal are too expensive and do not take my insurance. So maybe it is up to me to do the work. Anyway, just needed to vent and share similar issues with others who deal with same.
Art,
Sorry I have not replied to your question about my religious beliefs but I've been reluctant to get into a discussion like that on the open forum that might press some folks buttons (not yours but other readers, perhaps, and no one in particular). Also, I really need to formulate my thoughts so that if I do post it will be clear and to the point. So perhaps soon in the future either in the open forum or in a private message. One thing that came to mind though while writing this is that when the pains occur, I could pray for insight into what is going on inside my head/heart/soul instead of relief from the pain itself. That is, what is God trying to tell me about myself. Usually, I pray for relief from the pain.
Forfeet |
| art |
Posted - 02/18/2011 : 12:24:04
Those are good insights wrld. The point isn't the symptom of the day, it's the endless cycle of fear and worry.
As I said, DOD is a bit of a slog perhaps, though I raced through it mostly because the subject matter is so near and dear to my own experience. It's not a self-help book, but a philosophical discussion of how the fear of death is behind so much of what we do as individuals and as societies. Of course, for the most part it's a repressed fear. At least if you're lucky. For us sensitive, worry wart types, it's all too conscious.
I've no solutions beyond the usual. I breathe a lot these days. I'm the world's worst meditator, but I'm trying to set aside time every day to just sit and focus on my breath. I do that to counter intrusive, anxious thoughts throughout the day as well...
It really helps. Especially since I'm sidelined with an actual hamstring injury, it's been a lifesaver for me these last couple weeks.... |
| wrldtrv |
Posted - 02/17/2011 : 15:19:23
The back thing is gone completely (!) as of yesterday, and after a one day reprieve, I am on to another old TMS standby, which is more of an annoyance than anything. But, the thing I most notice is that my anxiety level has shot up now that the back fear is gone, and I know this anxiety is a TMS equivalent.
Instead of doing the usual and buying into new (old standby symptom), I'm trying to give up resisting it and ask instead what is behind it psychologically. I realize I have such intense named and unnamed fear, regret, rage... that symptoms, the more insistent the better, are definitely required. Without them, looking at the psychological stuff head on would be truly terrifying. Or so it seems. I really understand why there is rarely a day I don't have some physical symptom and accompanying worry. I also understand why the frequency of these symptoms seem to have increased in recent years: more baggage; decline and mortality harder to ignore.
I'll have to get the book you mentioned, Art (The Denial of Death), as I certainly think that is a huge factor in the existence of TMS, espec in older people, as Sarno also mentioned.
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| art |
Posted - 02/13/2011 : 18:01:57
Hey for...
Just wondering what the areas of conflict might be for you between Sarno's theory and your religious beliefs. If you're not comfortable talking about it, then of course that's fine. Just curious.
I think 12 Step philosophy is a great fit by the way, however one chooses to define "a power greater than oneself." Anything that gets the focus off SELF is helpful in my opinion. |
| Forfeet |
Posted - 02/13/2011 : 01:50:32
Art and others,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I too experience a myriad of symptoms and recently the musculoskeletal stuff (back, knees, feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists) just seems to move all over the place. I'm 53 and becoming quite aware of aging and my inevitable mortality as well. I have also begun the process of surrendering away the fear. In my case, to a Power greater than myself.
I participate in 12 step programs and I see a lot of similarities in doing step work and personal inventory stuff with the insight and journaling prescribed by Dr. Sarno and other TMS advocates. I have had to work hard to reconcile my religious beliefs with some of Sarno's philosophies and it is still a work in progress. It needn't be an issue and I'm sure it will work out.
However, I have definitely completely accepted the concept that my fear of pain/injury is the real enemy and not the pain itself. I work a very physical job and even today I was worried about shoulder and back pain I was feeling before work but by the time I was there a couple of hours I didn't even notice it. I am able to do the work (resume normal activity as Sarno says) and that has been very empowering for me.
That lower back pain that wrldtrv was talking about I have also experienced and it has gone away, even though pains in other areas emerge. Still know I need more work to eliminate those symptom imperatives. I'm glad you all are here. |
| wrldtrv |
Posted - 02/12/2011 : 20:28:56
Thanks, Art. That makes me feel better. I guess the reason the low back thing scares me is that I have never really had problems in this area; not for many years anyway.
I find it extremely interesting that you, every month or so, have such severe symptoms and it turns out to be nothing. That in itself screams psychosomatic. I find it encouraging, actually.
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| art |
Posted - 02/12/2011 : 14:13:03
I find the back easy. I get stuff like that every month or two. And not just a quick pain, but sometimes the whole cramping up, can't breathe thing. I ignore it, move slowly as needed but do keep moving. I have no doubt it will go away and it always does...
Think patterns wrld. Think personal history. Realize this is just another in a long line...
You simply are not going to do actual damage to your back by lifting a small dog, much less stepping out of your car... |
| wrldtrv |
Posted - 02/12/2011 : 11:31:43
Speaking of back aches, here's a bizarre one. I have a strong back and have never had any real problems with my lower back, but about 2 1/2 weeks ago I experienced a sharp pain while stepping out of the car. It quickly got better, but yesterday at work, I was holding a small dog someone had brought to work and in the process of lowering it to the floor, I again felt a sharp pain! Now, the dog couldn't have weighed over 12-15 lbs and I always lift much heavier wt than than w/out problem.
The area, left lower back is only painful and stiff when loading up the joint, eg stepping up out of car, not at all when sitting, walking, lying.
My first paranoid thought was, herniated disc, but I doubt it. The first time this happened almost 3 weeks ago, I thought it was a fluke and was fairly able to take it in stride. But, the 2nd time, my hypochondria is flaring up, imagining the worst. Maybe some of you have had similar "out of the blue" back stories you can share. |
| art |
Posted - 02/06/2011 : 08:18:24
Hey Matty,
Good to hear from another old timer trying to stay in shape. For some reason the back stuff is much easier than my other stuff, but I muddle through. Sometimes the relief is instant. A couple of months ago I had pain in both knees...a kind of deep aching...decided it had to be TMS (I hadn't increased speed of distance, nothing else going on) and the pain just disappeared.
Truly like magic sometimes... |
| matty |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 13:31:32
Art Im 63 and 8 years ago i suffered crippling back aches and came upon John sarnos book through a howard stern recommendation.Coming from him I thought it was a joke but I read the book,accepted the idea and goodby to the fears of back issues.Had a flare up this year but read Divided mind and got rid of the pain in 4 days.Im in the gym 4 days a week lifting weights with no fear.I run about 10 miles a week for cardio.At present time im working on my insomnia and shoulder issues that are getting better.TMS tries to move around but Im winning my war on it one battle at a time. Matt
matt |
| suegr98 |
Posted - 02/05/2011 : 11:58:36
The pain is there. It does not need to get worse. I cannot make it get better. But I can let go of the worry and fear and when I least expect it, it vanishes.
take good care,
Sue
http://www.facebook.com/suegr98
http://healingwithfeelings.wordpress.com
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| art |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 08:54:19
Hey Gang,
It feels good to be part of a community of like-minded folk. I don't mean to imply I've got this thing licked, because as wrld points out, it's a daily battle. But I really have made some progress and I know it's possible..
Wavy, I've had the double vision thing. Also, floating spots (not flashers, but little shining bubbles that remind me of the one the good witch floated around in, in the Wizard of Oz)...
In the end, for me anyway, it's about mortality and the fear of that. Most people have a healthy denial mechanism which enables them to go through life without being unduly troubled by this stuff. But many of us see the world for what it really is, in the words of some philosopher or other, "a hall of doom." I can't drive a car without thinking about the fact that I'm hurtling along at 70 MPH and one slip could result in a terrible wreck...
It's just the way some of us are built. For anyone interested in this subject and don't mind a rather dense read, I can't recommend "Denial of Death" by Becker enough.
For the Freudian minded among us, it's not sex that underlies much of our conscious thoughts and actions, but fear of death. Society and it's institutions are set up essentially to allow us to forget that we're all doomed. |
| Wavy Soul |
Posted - 02/02/2011 : 22:18:29
Oh yes and... me too, 60 this year! Must be the ticket!
Also, watching the sista worrying and stressing herself to death was educational...
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
| Wavy Soul |
Posted - 02/02/2011 : 21:29:49
Yeah, I'm completely, completely into surrendering as the supreme method for everything that matters.
Thanks, Art!
I've been noticing the whole worrying-about-symptoms thing has reared its head for reasons I told elsewhere (yikes!). And I, too, have come up with some fine, upstanding, realistic special effects this time. Double vision, anyone? (The others are too gory to mention)
Much love
Surrendered in Tiburon
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
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