Day 13 Article the resonated

Although I can't remember which article it was from, something that really stuck out to me was an example of a person being embarassed and their cheeks getting flushed from the blood rush...a physioligical reaction to a psychological emotion. It makes sense that if your mind can tell the blood to go somewhere in your body, it could also tell the blood NOT to go somewhere in your body, hence TMS.

I just wish that getting the mind to send the blood back to my areas of pain, happened as easily and quickly as the TMS came.

I find it so difficult to stop thinking about the pain. I wish I could just have a moment where my brain wasn't constantly going. I realize I need to make more of an effort to try meditation and create the time each day to dedicate to that. The road to recovery is hard work, and I struggle with finding the motivation to do everything I know I should. You would think that I'd be willing to do anything and everything to feel good again, and I say I am, but sometimes I feel like there's just not enough time in the day.

 

Hang on, you'll get there.
I know what you mean when you say there's not enough time in the day. I was worrying so much about not following exactly everything the SEP recommended + doing meditation + doing sport, etc.
Then, I decided after a moment to just enjoy my day, and have fun despite the pain (it wasn't easy, and took some time), and now the pain is almost all gone. I am sure you will find your own solutions.
Take care.

 

Hi, Nelson. Sacha has given you a great reply. Don't worry about doing the SEProgram exactly. Don't pressure yourself to be perfect in anything.

Meditation calms the mind and that calms the body. I like the Relaxation Response...

Meditation is a time-honored way of relaxing the mind and relieving anxiety, mental stress, headaches, and even physical pain. There are many ways to practice meditation, but many consider the most successful to be a technique called the Relaxation Response (RR).

It 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 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, and works best if not practiced within two hours after 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:

 

Hey Walt, I just wanted to let you know I've been doing this R&R meditating and it's helping a lot. Thanks for posting this!