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positivevibes
204 Posts |
 Posted - 02/05/2008 : 02:13:58
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I have watched Dr. Sarno's DVD a couple of times and have read some of his books (I'm almost done with his latest book, The Divided Mind).
But I'm sort of at a loss regarding what to do every day as "homework." I've been thinking a lot about the stresses in my life, trying to identify my emotions more accurately and trying to uncover things that make me feel angry or anxious, from either my past or my present situations. At the end of the day, I evaluate how the day went and how I could improve things -- or just acknowledge that somethings just didn't go well and forgive myself for not "doing everything" on that day.
I've just started psychotherapy, so it will be a while before we dig into some of the deeper issues. They are closer to the surface than before, because of all the introspection I've been doing.
So what should I be doing every day exactly? Do you think it would be a good idea to get Dr. Schechter's workbook, or do you guys have another suggestion? I want to do this the right way!
And by the way, I am EXTRMELY HAPPY to report that I have gone to the gym every other day for almost 2 weeks and I've had NO PAIN except for this one tightness in the middle of my right buttock (but it doesn't stop me from doing anything, because I only feel it if I try to do an extreme stretch of my hamstring). The other day I woke up with a "crick" in my neck but I'm totally unconcerned about it and it's going away....I'm pretty sure it's TMS related due to work stresses. Nothing has stopped me from going to the gym and getting a really good aerobic workout on my favorite machines. Finally I'm concentrating on the music and on my workout, and not on how my back feels!
Interestingly, something at work really got me upset the other day and immediately I could feel my lower back tightening up. I told my brain to cut it out. I took a few deep breaths and the tightness went away. I started thinking about why this particular thing upset me and soon I began to feel better all around about it.
In general, I think that when treating yourself for TMS, you tend to be more kind to yourself; more forgiving.
I suppose you win this war by winning every small battle that comes along. |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 11:59:59
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Good for you! Sounds like you're on the right track. Just remember not to get obsessed with the treatment itself. Usually 30 minutes a day is enough to spend thinking about TMS. Other than that, try to get back to normal life.
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It's not 100% belief that's required, but 100% commitment. |
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kelvin
USA
103 Posts |
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scottjmurray
266 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 22:18:27
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quote:
Usually 30 minutes a day is enough to spend thinking about TMS. Other than that, try to get back to normal life.
Agreed. Most people miss that part.
I'd recommend being as honest with yourself as possible when sorting through the mess of fears/obsessions/rage-inducing personality traits during the day. Eg: If you're in the company of some people and you feel like crap mentally, be honest and say to yourself in your head "I'm getting down upon myself and lowering my self esteem right now."
Make a list of all the emotions that stop you from enjoying your life and keep track of them, see when they arise, when they leave, etc. Then start trying to stop letting them take over your psyche.
Do the same thing with all your fears/doubts/obsessions surrounding TMS. Note when they rise, when they pass away, and start wrangling control over your psyche.
Author of tms-recovery.com
A collection of articles on emotions, lifestyle changes, and TMS theory. |
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Wavy Soul
USA
779 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 01:08:28
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start wrangling control over your psyche.
psyche-wrangling - the real x-games!
Love is the answer, whatever the question |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 09:24:20
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The homework is to read Dr. Sarno's treatment plan, which is outlined in the TDM book, not sure what page. It is almost identical to the 3 or 4-page handout he gave me in Jan 2007. Read that every day. I did it for about a month.
The rest is writing about your feelings. Make a list of the things that you think bother you: work, family, childhood, etc. Whatever comes to mind. The choose one and write, write, write. I had put the topic at the top of the page, then started with whatever came first, usually anger or sadness. Fear and guilt are the other "big" ones. I ended up writing for pages sometimes. Sometimes just one did it. I always ended up with what I learned or some tidbit from the situation that could be viewed as positive.
These are the two parts to the homework Dr. Sarno describes.
-Lori |
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What to do every day? What is the "homework"?
