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Steven Ozanich TMS and Pop Culture

Discussion in 'General Discussion Subforum' started by Steve Ozanich, Aug 5, 2013.

  1. Steve Ozanich

    Steve Ozanich TMS Consultant

    The concept of a Wiki is that a community of people add to the information base. I was wondering if people would like to build a base on mindbody effects in our culture. Maybe one already exists here. If so I'll just add to it.

    I've seen references many times through the years but have never compiled the information. Since this is the central hub for TMS, it's the best place to do it. Maybe Forrest can eventually create a menu for one down the left side in between his other 5 jobs. People could provide the links to the references. When they see one, they can post it. I'm not referring to news, but rather entertainment.

    Several come to my mind right away, like this one.


    There was also a MASH episode, I can't remember the name, where Freedman gave the soldier a trembling hand to divert his attention from his deep guilt and suicidal attempts, to give him a physical symptom to divert him from his powerful emotions. Does that concept sound familiar?

    There was another MASH where Hawkeye's back was hurting because other doctors were back in the US making money for their work. His anger at his situation started the TMS.

    I saw this on Big Bang Theory: Series 1 Episode 09 – The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization
    Penny: Well I’m just asking if it’s difficult to be fighting with your best friend.
    Sheldon: Oh. I hadn’t thought about it like that. I wonder if I’ve been experiencing physiological manifestations of some sort of unconscious emotional turmoil.
    Penny: Wait… what?
    Sheldon: I couldn’t poop this morning.

    They're everywhere in movies and TV. If there was a place to post them I would add them as I saw them. The idea is to expand awareness. People aren't able to tell that the symptoms they have are a direct result of their lives, and how they react, or more precisely, how they don't react. It might increase awareness in a subtle way. Plus, it's fun.

    Steve
     
    ChanaG, KatheC, Boston Redsox and 6 others like this.
  2. JanAtheCPA

    JanAtheCPA Beloved Grand Eagle

    I love this, Steve.

    Full disclosure: I have an addiction to TV dramas. I blame that for the time I don't spend on the forum. Also Dr. Who.

    So anyway, in Grey's Anatomy, maybe last year? (found it: Season 9, Ep 12, 1/24/13) the doctor who lost her leg was experiencing excruciating phantom limb pain. Another surgeon gave her the mirror exercise that was discovered/developed by neuroscientist VS Ramachandran (Ted Talk here - wonderful!) It's all about retraining the brain to get rid of the pain. I was very impressed by this nod to the mind-body connection (in the storyline, it helped, along with other mind-over-body techniques).

    ABC has a medical researcher who blogs about the medical issues on various episodes - here is her blog about phantom limb pain, with a nod to other mind-body syndromes

    I also found a quote from character Meredith Gray's voice-over (someone else wrote this, I don't know if it's the authentic script): "The body can be stubborn when it comes to accepting change. The mind holds out hope that the body can be whole again. The mind will always fight for whole, tooth and nail, until it finds a way of understanding this new reality and accepts that what is gone is gone forever."

    Jan
     
  3. Eric "Herbie" Watson

    Eric "Herbie" Watson Beloved Grand Eagle

    I was watching the Drama madmen the other day.
    Never watched it before but it was very interesting.
    I heard the lady mention to her friend that every time her husband -
    knew he had a big day on the job coming up that his back would hurt him for days.
    I believe she said thank God for his chiropractor.
    Now this show is based around the sixties-
    as soon as she said each time he has a big meeting his back would hurt him for days
    Surreal, instant thought - that's TMS
    Yes Steve I see this all the time on TV
    This is a great thought for a great thread
    I know I got more- just wait..........
    Good to see you Steve , your looking Great Brother
     
    Forest likes this.
  4. Steve Ozanich

    Steve Ozanich TMS Consultant

    That's the idea! Now--when you see the episode, or hear a song, that makes this point, of the body reacting to mind, mark it down. Then we can compile them into a form. Forrest doesn't have to sleep, he can make a section for them.

    Jan and Eric,, can you get the episodes, and dates? Youtube or net links to the shows would be good. If not, keep your eyes open in the future. Then as you see one, post it to wherever Forrest says to.

    I started that one with Homer. "Pokey Mom," Jan. 14, 2001, episode, and Big Bang Theory, Series 1 Episode 09 – The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization, March 17, 2008.

    To be continued, next week, same bat time, same bat channel...

    Steve
     
  5. Steve Ozanich

    Steve Ozanich TMS Consultant

    I got lucky and found it quickly: It's called "Goodbye, Cruel World," episode 190, Season 8, MASH,
    This is the online description,

    When Sgt. Michael Yee, an Asian-American war hero, finds out that he will be sent home, he tries to commit suicide. Sidney comes to the camp and concludes that Yee is having a battle within himself. To be a good American he kills Chinese and to be a good Chinese he then tries to kill himself. Sidney suppresses Yee's suicidal impulse through a hypnotic suggestion. Whenever part of him wants to commit suicide, Yee unconsciously twitches instead.
     
    Forest and Eric "Herbie" Watson like this.
  6. Forest

    Forest Beloved Grand Eagle

    This sounds like a great idea! It is exactly the type of thing that our nonprofit is designed for. We'll definitely take all of these and make it into a well designed web page similar to our TMS in the media page, but divided up into sections.

    There's always the classic Bored To Death clip honoring the good doctor. Apparently, the show runner was cured by him:
     
  7. Eric "Herbie" Watson

    Eric "Herbie" Watson Beloved Grand Eagle

    This is great forest, even though he didn't read the whole book-
    he did read the back cover and he slept on it.
    Its pretty neat what a little knowledge and some enthusiasm can do.
    This is a great thread, once again.
    Robin to the Bat cave!
    Remember John Stossels brother in the 20/20 segment wearing that same neck harness.
    I would most defiantly rather read the book.
     
  8. Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)

    Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021) Beloved Grand Eagle

    Steve, I love your idea and will jump right in to suggest examples, from movies, tv, songs, etc.
    I saw one the other day in a movie but didn't note it down. I think I can recall it.
    I'll call you and talk about the project. Forest and Jan's examples are great.
    You're exactly right that mind-body effects in popular culture can expand awareness
    and validate Dr. Sarno's and your theories and techniques for healing.

    This will be a very exciting project I believe will be very popular and helpful.

    I'd like to talk to you about it, so call me whenever you have time.
    224-260-8064 central time (one hour ahead of you).
     
  9. KathyBee

    KathyBee Peer Supporter

    I just discovered several in a manga I was reading called Kitchen Princess.
    Spoiler alert
    The main character Najika is studying to be a chef. She is a very sweet girl who is nice to everyone even people who are rude to her.
    The guy she is falling in love with gets run over by a truck and dies. He was on his way home from getting her an ingredient for a cooking contest she was entered in. Some mean girls at school make this even worse by saying he would still be alive if he did not run the errand for her. As a result of this she loses her sense of taste and smell.
    There is an earlier incident in the series where she has tendonitis that seems like it could be TMS. Najika is preparing for a cooking contest. She is really nervous about it. On top of it she had a big fight with a friend. Her wrist starts to bothers her occasionally while she is practicing for the contest. At the contest other contests say mean things about her. Suddenly her wrist hurts so bad she is unable to stir the ingredients. The friend she fought with earlier rushes to her side and tapes up her wrist. He says reassuring things to her about the contest. And the pain is instantly gone.
    There is also a bit where Akane, a classmate, develops an eating disorder. She is an inspiring model and pushes herself hard to be thin and pretty and perfect. Her mom also puts lots of pressure on her. She starts involuntarily throwing up everything she eats and gets very sick. Najika makes a recipe Akane’s grandmother (who passed on) used to make to coax her into eating. Akane remembers how her grandmother was loving and supportive and told her how she did not have to push herself so hard. She gets better.
     
    Forest likes this.
  10. Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)

    Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021) Beloved Grand Eagle

    Those are excellent examples, KathyBee. Kitchen Princess sounds like something to watch regularly.
    Maybe those of us helping on the TMS pop culture project can "assign ourselves" watch specific shows,
    so we don't overdose watching tv or watch the same shows. I think good TMS related themes can be
    found on older tv series... MASH, MARY TYLER MOORE, etc., so we could assign ourselves to watching one or two.
    I'll take a look at my tv schedule for channels that run old series and make a list and maybe we can all decide
    which show(s) we will watch and look for TMS examples.

    I'll get back on this when I can draw up a list of possible shows to watch.

    I avoid watching new tv series because I think most of them are mindless, but maybe MAD MEN and
    some others may have some TMS-related themes.

    Any suggestions about new tv series we might watch for TMS?
     
  11. Stock Trader

    Stock Trader Peer Supporter

    How about Jersey Shore?
     
  12. Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)

    Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021) Beloved Grand Eagle

    Gigi mentioned this movie in her posting today and it's a good example of TMS in pop culture...

    The young hero (Cary Elwes) says to the princess (Robin Wright) in the 1987 fairy tale fantasy
    THE PRINCESS BRIDE: "Life is a pain, and whoever says otherwise is selling something."

    Here's the cover of the new Blu-ray release of the film in its 25th anniversary release:

    princess bride.jpg
     
  13. Forest

    Forest Beloved Grand Eagle

    Oh, gosh, I don't know if we're going to be able to get people to watch whole seasons of TV. I was just thinking that if people could remember a show or happened to watch it, perhaps they could bring it up here.

    There was a Frasier episode called Back Talk that was pure TMS. It happens on Frasier's birthday and his back "seizes up" when he blows out his birthdays candles. I can relate to that... aging is enraging... Here's the dialogue:

    Martin: I know tonight's your party, but here. [lights a candle on a cupcake] Happy birthday! Make a wish.​
    Frasier: Oh Dad, thank you.​
    Frasier stands. He bends over the table to blow it out — and freezes.
    Martin: What's the matter?​
    Frasier: My back! [in pain] It's completely seized up!​
    Martin: Well, here...​
    Martin guides him back down into his seat.
    Frasier: My God! It's been a little tender lately. I went to see the​
    doctor last week, he told me there was absolutely nothing​
    wrong with it.​
    Martin: Oh, doctors never tell you anything, they're all just a bunch​
    of overpaid quacks. [off Frasier's glare] Oh, I'm sorry, I​
    don't mean you. I'm talking about real doctors!​
    Frasier: [after he gives Martin a look] How can this be happening to​
    me? I'm always so conscientious about back safety. Why,​
    just the other day when I needed that large heavy stack of​
    books from down in the storage room, I insisted that Daphne​
    make three trips.​
    Martin: Well, you know what, I've got that old girdle in my bedroom.​
    Let me go get it.​
    Frasier: Dad, wait, I'm not going to wear anything called a girdle.​
    Martin: What if I call it a back-brace?​
    Frasier: Get it!​
    Martin does so and leaves the scene to his room. Then the doorbell sounds. Frasier sits still motionless.
    Frasier: [calls] Daphne!​
    However, she's not in. The doorbell rings twice more.
    Frasier: Oh, God... Coming! [slowly gets up and edges to the door]​
    This wouldn't be taking me so long if my housekeeper were​
    here. [finally opens door to Daphne]​
    Daphne: I'm a physical therapist!​
    Frasier: Then perhaps you could get me into a chair!​
    Daphne: [supports him] Oh goodness, is your back bothering you again?​
    Oh, I'm sorry I made you get up. I forgot my keys.​
    Frasier: You know, perhaps you should get a spare set made just to keep​
    at Donny's. For God's sake, you're practically living there​
    as it is.​
    Daphne: [guides him to sofa] Oh, now, Dr. Crane. You better get used​
    to it. Once I'm married, I will be living there. [then] I​
    know what'll help that back, a nice massage.​
    Martin enters with the girdle.
    Martin: Here we go.​
    Daphne: Oh, the girdle! That'll help.​
    Martin: Now, it's kinda hard to put on by yourself. But if Daphne​
    holds one end and I hold the other, you can kinda spin into​
    it.​
    Frasier: Please Dad, this is humiliating enough as it is.​
    Martin: What's humiliating about it? Look, you just hook it in the​
    back like a bra.​
    Frasier: Just give me that! [snatches it]​
    Frasier exits to his room struggling with the girdle.
    Daphne: Mr. Crane, does it bother you when I stay over at Donny's?​
    Martin: No.​
    Daphne: Well, it seems to bother Dr. Crane.​
    Martin: Oh, he's just cranky because of his back.​
    Daphne pours herself a cup of coffee, noticing the paper that Martin gave Frasier.
    Daphne: Good Lord! Queen Elizabeth had another baby! I don't care​
    what science can do, it's just not right.​

    [N.B. A slight discontinuity here — Frasier's birth year has been given as 1952. Queen Elizabeth's second child, Princess Anne, was born in 1950, two years after her brother Charles. Elizabeth did not give birth again until 1960.]​
    FADE OUT Scene Two - Radio Station. Roz is preparing for the show in her booth. Connie enters Frasier's booth with some flowers for Frasier, as Frasier hobbles inside with her, he is using a cane.
    Frasier: [referring to Connie placing the flowers on the console]​
    Oh, that'll be fine right there, be sure to thank the gang​
    for the flowers, Connie.​
    Connie: You're welcome, Dr. Crane. Happy Birthday. [exits]​
    Roz: [realizes] Birthday? [then quickly] Happy birthday, Frasier.​
    Frasier: Thank you, Roz. Not off to the best start though, my back is​
    out.​
    Roz: Why don't you go home? We'll just air "The Best of Crane."​
    I'll drop your gift by later.​
    Frasier: No, no, Roz. I promised my listeners that I'd read a​
    birthday address.​
    Roz: [searching for a gift to give him] Well, people might have​
    forgotten, people do have busy lives, you know. [notices a book on the side]​
    Frasier: No, Roz, I announced it twice. Anyone paying the slightest​
    attention would know.​
    Roz takes a gift bag with shoes in it, empties the shoes out and puts the book inside the gift bag.
    Frasier: What are you doing over there?​
    Roz: Just, wondering when to surprise you with your... present!​
    [holds up gift bag]​
    Roz enters Frasier's booth and hands it over.
    Frasier: Oh, Roz.​
    Roz: Yes, now is as good a time as any.​
    Frasier: You know, we keep promising each other that we're not going​
    to do this. We've got to stop spoiling one another.​
    Roz: Well, what am I supposed to do? Just forget your birthday?​
    Frasier: [looks at book] Oh, Good Lord, Roz. You know, I read the​
    most wonderful review of this recently.​
    Roz: I hope you like it.​
    Frasier: Oh look, you've inscribed it.​
    Roz: [worried] I did?​
    Frasier: [reads] "You'll always be my baby."​
    Roz: I must have had a glass of wine when I wrote that.​
    Frasier: [reads] "Love, Mom."​
    Roz, ashamed, goes back to her tasks as Niles enters with a gift bag.
    Niles: There's our bent and broken birthday boy.​
    Frasier: Hello, Niles.​
    Niles: I've brought you a little gift. Say hello to sweet salvation,​
    the "Lumbar Log."​
    Frasier: Thank you, Niles. [takes it and props it behind his back]​
    I think the whole thing is probably stress-related.​
    Niles: Well, that's very possible. Birthdays can be anxiety-​
    provoking, especially for people of a certain age.​
    Frasier: I am not "of a certain age," Niles. I am smack dab in the​
    middle of "not a kid anymore." I won't be "of a certain age"​
    for another ten years.​
    Roz: You know, if your back pain is stress-related, I read a​
    magazine article with an exercise that might help. You​
    just go someplace where nobody can hear you and list all​
    the things that bug you.​
    Frasier: In what esteemed medical journal did you find this little​
    tidbit - "Cosmo"?​
    Roz: No, [proudly] "Glamour"!​
    Frasier: Oh, that's priceless. "I can't find the right shade of​
    lipstick," "I look terrible in a bikini," "He can't find​
    my G-spot."​
    Roz: I said do it someplace private!​
    Niles: You know, it couldn't hurt, Frasier.​
    Frasier: Oh, Niles, it's absurd.​
    Niles: Hmm, the more you resist, the more I'm wondering if there's​
    something you're trying to avoid.​
    Roz: Well, thanks for backing me up, Niles. You know, the same​
    article said if you rub a raw potato...​
    Niles: If we're going to sell him on this, you should drop out now.​
    Roz: OK.​
    Frasier: Nobody's going to sell me on anything. That sort of exercise​
    only helps people who lack self awareness. I for one am...​
    [spasm of pain] God almighty!​
    Niles: Well, no wonder you're stressed, you've got a whole universe​
    to run.​
    Roz: Thirty seconds, Frasier. [enters her booth]​
    Niles: All right, I'll be off. You take care of yourself, I'll see​
    you tonight. [exits]​
    Roz: Are you sure you're up to this?​
    Frasier: Oh, I'll be fine, Roz. I'm not as delicate as all that.​
    Roz: How did you do it anyway?​
    Frasier: Blowing out a cupcake.​
    Roz: You know, Frasier, we can always put on "The Best of Crane."​
    Frasier: No, no, Roz. Now, just have a little bit of faith in me.​
    I'm a lot tougher than that. Tell you what, if I feel like​
    I need help towards the end of the show, I'll give you a​
    little signal, all right? [shows her an example of her signal]​
    Roz: All right, five seconds.​
    Frasier: Gosh you know, these flowers really are beautiful. [on air]​
    Good afternoon, Seattle.​
    Frasier takes a sniff of the flowers, causing him to sneeze, forcing his back to move and causing him to scream in pain. He sneezes again and screams again as Roz puts a hand to her earphones. He sneezes a third time and falls off his chair in agony. Niles runs in from the corridor as Frasier rolls around on the floor. His hand comes up from under the console and signals Roz. FADE TO:

    EDWARD CRANE, PH.D.

    Scene Three - Frasier's Apartment. The apartment is empty as Frasier enters on the shoulder of Niles.
    Niles: Hello! Anyone here? [no reply]​
    Frasier: I guess they're all out.​
    Niles: [hurrying across room to sofa] Okay, well let's just get you​
    settled!​
    Frasier: Niles, Niles, slow down. For God's sake, we're not running a​
    three-legged race. [falls onto sofa] Do you have somewhere​
    to be?​
    Niles: Well, since you bring it up, I do have a luncheon with my​
    new lady love.​
    Frasier: Oh, well, gosh, I'd hate to have my pain stand in the way of​
    that! How could that orthopedist of yours tell me there was​
    nothing wrong?​
    Niles: Frasier, I looked at the x-rays myself, this is not a skeletal​
    problem. There, now you're all fine and I'm sure Dad will be​
    by soon.​
    Frasier: No, wait. This couch has absolutely no support. [points to chair with ottoman] Let's try that chair over there, please.​
    Niles: All right. [picks him up] You're not heavy, you're my brother.​
    Niles and Frasier slowly move over to the chair.
    Frasier: How could you take me to that unprofessional hack? All he did​
    was give me a bottle full of horse tranquilizers. He didn't​
    care about getting to the root of the problem, he just wanted​
    to shut me up!​
    Niles: I think it might be time for one of those pills!​
    He settles Frasier on the chair in a most obscure way. He is kneeling on the ottoman with his forehead resting on the chair back. He looks like a contortionist.
    Niles: All comfy?​
    Frasier: This won't do, it's even harder than a seat on a public bus.​
    Niles: Oh, when were you ever on a bus?​
    Frasier: At a cocktail party once for the "Friends of Transit."​
    Niles: I wasn't invited to that.​
    Frasier: Will you just help me up, for God's sake! [he does] Oh God,​
    you know, maybe I should take another one of those pills.​
    Niles: All right, I'll get you a glass of water, okay?​
    Frasier: Right.​
    Niles rushes into the kitchen and talks from offstage. Whilst Niles is speaking Frasier takes the pills from his pockets and wanders over to Martin's chair slowly.
    Niles: [o.s.] You know, things are really going well with Mel. I've​
    been out with her almost every night. I don't want to jinx​
    things but I dare say we're well on our way to becoming what​
    might almost pass as an item.​
    Frasier falls down into Martin's chair as Niles enters with a glass of water.
    Niles: I mean it, Frasier, she is just the... [notices him] Oh my God,​
    did you fall?!​
    Frasier: No, I'm actually quite comfortable, Niles. And look, there's​
    no glare on the television... and here's a lovely place to set​
    your drink. [he does]​
    Niles: Just give me your hand and whatever the chair's telling you,​
    don't listen.​
    Frasier: No, it's helping my back actually. You know, and when you​
    sit in it, you don't have to look at it.​
    Niles: If you're really interested in correcting this problem and​
    not just medicating it, you should consider that technique​
    Roz mentioned - you know, listing your problems aloud.​
    Frasier: Oh, give me a break.​
    Niles: It's perfectly possible that this is connected to some​
    submerged anxiety. What's bothering you?​
    Frasier: Oh, yes, Niles, you really expect me to sit here all alone​
    in some apartment, prattling on endlessly about my problems​
    like some sort of a lunatic. [Niles slowly leaves unnoticed by Frasier] If you think I'm going to do that, you're the​
    one who needs to get his head examined...​
    He notices Niles's disappearance. Then Frasier sits quietly before Eddie runs from behind him and jumps onto his knee.
    Frasier: Oh, good God! Oh, Eddie, please just shoo! Get off me, get​
    off me!​
    Eddie jumps onto the sofa and stares at him.
    Frasier: What? Do you want to know what's bothering me too? Well,​
    here's a start, I'm talking to a dog, that bothers me...​
    I'm another year older today. I suppose that bothers me,​
    but not as much as people seem to think. [takes pills] I'm​
    still single, that's a big one. Not having a woman to share​
    my life with. The only women in my life are friends; Roz and​
    Daphne. Daphne's not even here anymore, she'll be married​
    soon. That's going to be tough on Dad.​
    Pause.
    Frasier: Who am I kidding? It's going to be tough on me. It's been​
    nice having her here. Even when my love life hasn't been​
    going so well, I can always come home to a warm and considerate​
    woman. You know, that's probably why I've been so brusque​
    with her lately. I know that once she's gone, I'll probably​
    be twice as lonely. Well, it's quite a realization, isn't​
    it?​
    Daphne walks on in her dressing gown fresh from a shower, unnoticed by Frasier.
    Frasier: I really do love Daphne and I'm about to lose her. I've got​
    to show her how I feel about her, while I still have the​
    chance.​
    Daphne, worried by these comments, walks back to her room again.
    Frasier: Well, I don't know whether it was the therapy or the​
    painkillers but I actually feel a bit better. Let's try​
    this. [pulls himself to sit more comfortably on the chair]​
    Ah...​

    It's got the classic elements of goodism, and the type T personality as well.

    By the end of the show he is better. The full transcript is here:
    http://www.kacl780.net/frasier/transcripts/season_7/episode_10/back_talk_1.html
     
  14. Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)

    Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021) Beloved Grand Eagle

    Forest, you're right that we can't ask anyone to watch full seasons of a tv series.
    But some do, and even if someone just drops in on an episode it could relate to TMS.

    The one you write about is perfect. And it discusses how and why the episode relates to TMS and healing.
     
  15. KathyBee

    KathyBee Peer Supporter

    Walt,
    I wanted to say that Kitchen Princess is not a TV show. It is a manga.
    Manga are Japanese comic books. The ones I read have been translated to English. I think that comic book can be little bit misleading. It makes some people think of superhero stories of funny stories for children. Manga can be about anything and be any genre. It helps to think of it as a type of media – like magazines, books and TV.
    Some manga are also anime, which are animated shows. However sometimes changes are made when it is adapted to anime, so some scenes may cut or made very differently.
     
  16. Forest

    Forest Beloved Grand Eagle

    Sounds good, Walt!

    I found the Frasier episode. Just about everything interesting happens in the first 13 min, 40 seconds. After that, it is more about how Daphne finds out that Niles is in love with her. Here's the YouTube video. It was pretty funny but may not stay up for long:
     
  17. Steve Ozanich

    Steve Ozanich TMS Consultant

    That's better Forrest, the videos save from reading them. But how can that be done? Is it easy or difficult to edit them? If there's no video then you will need a script section for text. That's what I was thinking, just like your "TMS in the media" page. Perfect (or is that word banned here?). We can stick them in this thread until you have a home for them.

    Here's one of my favorites. I see quite a few Goobers. We were all Goobers before the good doctor made us cool.

     
    JanAtheCPA likes this.
  18. Steve Ozanich

    Steve Ozanich TMS Consultant

    The Bored To Death episode was called, "Forget the Herring," Nov. 21 2011. You have that video, si?
     
  19. Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021)

    Walt Oleksy (RIP 2021) Beloved Grand Eagle

    One of the best examples of TMS mind-body in pop culture is from the 1946 movie THE RAZOR’S EDGE with Tyrone Power (not the later one with Bill Murray). The 1946 film was based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham and both the book and movie were huge successes. Read the book if you have time, but the film does the TMS part real well. It’s not called TMS but is definitely mind over matter and shows how mental imaging and other techniques can relieve our pain, as well as improving our self-acceptance.

    Tyrone Power plays a young man named Larry Darrell who is a Marine pilot in World War I and returns home safely but disillusioned and stressed about the moral values of post-war America and questioning society in general. He isn’t rich but loves a rich girl (beautiful Gene Tierney) who wants him to marry her. He loves her but believes he needs first to discover a purpose in life beyond making money to support her in the luxury she requires. He goes off to explore life around the world and she marries his best friend, rich young Gray Maturin (played by John Payne) and they have two children. While Power travels abroad, the 1929 stock market crash wipes out Maturin’s wealth and he and his wife and children live with her rich uncle.

    Larry returns after several years and learns that Gary is ill, from anxiety and other stresses caused by losing his money. He has migraine headaches, pain the back of his head, can’t sleep, has depression, low self-confidence, and is a nervous wreck. Larry visits him and finds him in bed. Larry then attempts to help Gary with some mind-body techniques he learned while in India and Nepal where he spent some time with an elderly Hindu guru mystic who brought peace to Larry’s troubled mind.

    Larry: [to Gary who is in bed with all his anxiety and pain] I’m going to try to help you. Mainly, to help you help yourself.

    Larry asks Gary to close his eyes and hold out the palm of his right hand. Gary does this.
    Larry puts an old coin from India in Gary’s hand.

    Larry: Close your hand tightly over the coin. Then squeeze your hand closed. I will count from one to ten. Before I reach the count of ten, the coin will drop out of your hand by itself.

    Gary does this and the coin drops out of his hand before Larry counts to ten.
    Gary is puzzled about it.

    Larry: I thought it would give you confidence.

    Next, Larry takes out a pocket watch and tells Gary who is sitting up in bed:

    Larry: Your eyes will grow heavy and after a short while you will be obliged to close them.

    Gary does this and his eyes close.

    Larry: In one minute, you will wake up and have no more pain.

    After a minute, Gary wakes up and says his pain is almost entirely gone. He asks how Larry did that.

    Larry: I merely put an idea into your head. I didn’t do anything. You did it yourself.

    Gary: [his headache and neck pain and all stress is almost all gone] It was a miracle!

    Larry: It wasn’t a miracle. You can cure yourself, in time.

    Larry lets Gary keep the coin, to help him gain self-confidence if pain returns.

    Larry performed a form of hypnosis on Gary but mainly it was giving him confidence that he could find in his mind relief from stresses that cause physical pain. TMSWiki.org/forum techniques for the mind healing the body do the same thing.

    The coin is to be Gary’s “Dumbo’s feather,” the feather that the baby elephant holds in his trunk in the Walt Disney movie that gave him confidence to leap off a high platform in a circus act and his big ears like wings would fly him safely into a bucket of water below. He does this successfully a few times but later loses the feather. But now Dumbo realizes he no longer needs the feather. He has gained the self-confidence it represented and he can fly without it. That movie, DUMB0, a 1941 animated masterpiece by Disney, is another excellent example of TMS in pop culture.

    Both films (advertisements below) are available on DVD and VHS from rental outlets such as Netflix and Blockbuster.

    razor\'s edge good in color.jpg

    dumbo.jpg
     
  20. myg

    myg New Member

    From "Meet the Fokkers:" "Ah, lovely. You know, most back pain is psychological. We carry our emotional baggage right here in our muscles." (Streisand to De Niro)
     
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