Shabda-girl
Peer Supporter
I was introduced to TMS a number of years ago via the internet, and read Sarno's book, and had great results. I've always suffered from anxiety, goodism, and perfectionism- my whole life- and it has always manifested via pain in my body- mostly headaches, neck pain, back pain, and stomachaches, but has affected many other areas as well. Along with feeling better and not needing to run to the chiropractor all the time (which has been proven to be an obvious short term, quick fix, because the second I start stressing- which is right away- the pain comes back), I gave the book to my dad to read, in hopes that he would not go forward with his back operation. Unfortunately, he did, followed two years later by another one- with no positive results. The pain continued, and sadly, he also developed ALS and passed away a year and a half ago. Anyway, I've fallen off the "Sarno wagon". Life has thrown a lot at me in the last year and a half and I have gotten swallowed up by an excessive amount anxiety and pain- due to the loss of my dad, then my grandfather, and now being in the process of moving my family (Husband, self, three kids, 4 dogs, and 1 cat) to another state-for husband's job- away from my extended family (the hardest being my mom, whom I am very close to), and single-parenting it for the last 4 months while my husband comes home to visit for only 5 days each month. So needless to say, I had completely forgotten my TMS skills- until recently when I was searching Andrew Weil's webpage for adrenal support, and one of the suggestions he makes is to read Sarno's book. Wham!!! What an awesome reminder, especially coming from Andy Weil, who was a friend (long ago) of my dad's (and a very smart man). My house is packed in boxes, so that means my TMS books are as well. I decided to download some more books onto my Kindle (where they can't be lost) and have begun reading them again. I remembered TMSwiki from back when Forest had just started putting it together, and decided to make a return visit. I can't believe how well and how far this site has come. Good Job!!! I was so excited to see that the free educational program is still here and better than before. I've begun again on Day 1 (today) and I'm already feeling so much better. I can't wait to join the Saturday discussions as well. Through Voice Dialogue and CBT I have received further confirmation and trust in the fact that recognition, acceptance, and allowance is the most powerful tool out there. When we resist feelings (both physical and emotional), more pain is created. And while it can truly feel like the pain/emotions will swallow you up if you just allow them to be there without demanding answers, I have found that they start to lose their power- just as Sarno states. You know that saying, "If you resist, it will persist"? Well I've found it to really is true. Remembering and practicing these skills is the most challenging part. But I'm back and I'm here to stay.
) to keep posting - it would be wonderful to share your insights. That is so sad about your dad, I'm really sorry to hear it. Looking back on my own dad's life with the knowledge I have today, I can see how it was cut short due to emotional stress. My new favorite author, Dr. Gabor Mate (OMG, people are going to start giving me grief for bringing him up AGAIN) talks in his book about how the stress of repressed emotions causes serious disease conditions, including ALS, I'm sorry to say. But you already knew that. 
