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lobstershack
Australia
250 Posts |
 Posted - 12/22/2004 : 17:29:16
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Hi board,
Quick question regarding anger. I harbor a tremendous amount of anger towards my father, which I have not only told him about, but am also working on in therapy. Must question is, is it necessary to let go of all of this anger in order for my TMS healing to progress? I am in the process of working on it, and I surely recognize it, but it's extremely difficult for me to let go, part of me doesn't even want to let go as silly as it may sound.
Also, throughout the day when I find myself concentrating on symptoms, which is quite often, I generally have taken to saying something like "I know this is TMS, it is all emotional, pool or anger, etc., etc.", but, should I in fact be focusing on my emotions instead (which I must say I find very hard to do when running around at school or work because I find it requires a great deal of concentration). Or perhaps I should just focus my thoughts on something altogether different?
Lastly, as much as I have come to believe in the TMS diagnosis, I still feel there is a small part of me inside that is hanging on for dear life trying to make me think otherwise. I can actually visualize it, it's somewhere in my chest-area and I often picture it as a small white square. Any advice on how to banish this? Maybe I just have to wait as it will come with time and my continuously working on myself?
Thanks guys and gals; and happy holidays.
Best,
Seth |
Edited by - lobstershack on 12/22/2004 17:29:57 |
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Dave
USA
1864 Posts |
Posted - 12/22/2004 : 18:18:00
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First of all, it sounds like you're on the right track. Don't try to measure your progress, and don't get frustrated. Relief usually comes very slowly.
You can't really "let go" of anger ... in fact trying to "let go" is exactly what leads you to repress it. It's more important to feel what's really going on inside. It is likely that the anger is hiding deeper feelings. Your therapy (assuming it is Freudian-analytical) should help you to uncover those feelings.
You are doing the right thing in shifting your thoughts when you are aware of the symptoms. It is important to remind yourself that it is TMS. It is difficult to "focus on your emotions" at will. If you have a quiet moment, try to figure out what it is that might be bothering you, but don't beat yourself up over it. Try to set apart some time every day to journal and write down the potential sources of rage.
The fact that you can "visualize" the doubt inside is interesting. I think that is a positive approach, actually. Perhaps you can visualize it leaving your body instead of staying stuck in your chest. However you do it, keep reinforcing the idea of TMS. Read passages from Dr. Sarno's book every day. It will take time to sink into your unconscious, and as the symptoms slowly improve, the doubt will fade on its own.
Trust the process. |
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Baseball65
USA
734 Posts |
Posted - 12/22/2004 : 21:41:10
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quote:
is it necessary to let go of all of this anger in order for my TMS healing to progress?
absolutely NOT,otherwise I would still be a cripple....I am one of the angriest M-er F-ers you'll ever find,and I have had a complete resolution.The anger is about my Fathers Death the LIES I was told about his death and his life,and the LIES that my mother still propogates.
I love my mother,but at the same time resent her for not telling me the truth.If I had to think about it all the time I'd be a vegetable,as it is quite complex and I can't even put into words appropriately the mixed feelings it's created in me....rage,shame,anger,frustration,fear,guilt....too much subtlety to think of in a moment.
It is important to investigate these things,but let's say you're out for a walk with a friend and you get a symptom....thinking about how mad you are about the cel-phone company screwing up your bill is sufficient.....we can't live our lives in CoNsTaNt deep pondering,and as Sarno points out,the "thinking Psychological" is just to recondition the Brain....to let it know WE know what it's trying to do and that we don't believe it any more.
I used very trivial and Obvious anger sources as my Therapeutic tools,and left the deeper ponderings for quiet times.....they are essential to complete recovery,but not necessary every single time.
As far as the doubt,you're moving in the right direction,and being candid about your doubts is also important....and it IS hanging on for dear life because it knows it's life is in jeopardy.....just watch it with Sarno's "amused skepticism".
you are right on time.
have an excellent Holiday.
Baseball65 |
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Much to do about anger
