For those searching fot the hidden trauma

[feduccini]

(I don't mean to tell anyone here to stop looking for triggers, I think it's important to investigate yourself, as it is to let go)

Maybe the second issue I've seen being debated here in the TMS forum is the search for the hidden emotional trigger that might be causing it all, losing only to people scared if their symptoms are structural.

Looking for these triggers is very stressful though, and frustrating if you're doing it in the hopes of reducing symptoms. Every now and then you see people complaining they worked on this exhaustively with no change at all (or even an increase in symptoms), which is very disheartening...

What I propose here is to look at this under new lenses: you're not looking for the source of somatic symptoms, you're working on understanding yourself and people in general.

For a while I've been watching some good coaching sessions, for any emotional issue, and it's amazing how they bring me tears that simply didn't appear during the trauma search. Empathy is a powerful weapon when you're closed to yourself.

And no, there's been no change in my symptoms. Again, it's not about that.

Here's an example:

 

[Diana-M]

Looking for these triggers is very stressful though, and frustrating if you're doing it in the hopes of reducing symptoms.

I agree!

 

[JanAtheCPA]

That's a pretty powerful video - in just 12 minutes, too.

 

[Booble]

you're not looking for the source of somatic symptoms,

I believe the key is to set aside and drop your thoughts about symptoms while you seek out the hidden rage. It's actually a nice break from the constant niggling thoughts about your discomfort and/or fears about your symptoms. It's not going to hurt you to set aside your symptoms for 20-60 minutes a day while you do some digging and peel back some layers. In my experience the symptoms don't go away until you stop hyper focus thinking about them.

 

[Booble]

Ok, I just watched that video and I think I have a different take on it. That man is clearly bubbling right under the surface. I mean, that stuff isn't even buried very deep. I personally don't think he's ready for the welcoming yet. I think he needs to get out all the gunk first and THEN welcome. I mean, it seems evident that he needs to let himself have that cry that is right there in his eyes, let it out and then find out who and what is making his insides so angry that is producing this, and let them sucker out, and then a good hug for himself. THEN he is ready for the welcoming when the thoughts come in.
What do you all, coming from a Sarno understanding, think of that?
I felt bad that he was trying to force welcoming on this guy and have him suppress those emotions.

 

[Adam Coloretti (coach)]

It's actually a nice break from the constant niggling thoughts about your discomfort and/or fears about your symptoms.

Each to their own but I completely agree - journalling for me was a very nice break from obsessing over my symptoms by switching to my emotions