Day 33 What I have noticed since starting SEP

[Mando]

I have noticed there is a difference between regular pain and TMS pain. The pains I fear most are always associated with intense emotions. For example, when I eat gluten I feel intense anger and pain. Not only do I notice the emotional connection, though also wonder if that’s where the allergy came from, maybe during a period of intense emotional pain while eating wheat sandwiches etc. I've accepted it as normal that eating wheat products produces a fiery painful heat and anger in my body. Perhaps not a lot of other people experience that? Other body pains often comes on with a feeling of pain and anxiety. I have always tried to shut these emotions out as ‘oh no, not this again’. Now, I’m awakening to the idea of feeling the feeling. It’s a new experience and taking some practice. Rather than reverting to distraction and avoidance, I’m now sitting with the emotions, and if I can, journaling. I like the idea @acharax has of mock violence. I’m going to incorporate my boxing bag into this as well.

I think that's probably a big deal to notice that not all pain is the same. It's helping me to separate out mind body pain and respond to it as such.

 

[Diana-M]

You’re doing so good, @Mando! Such progress!

 

[Dee.1983]

I have noticed there is a difference between regular pain and TMS pain. The pains I fear most are always associated with intense emotions. For example, when I eat gluten I feel intense anger and pain. Not only do I notice the emotional connection, though also wonder if that’s where the allergy came from, maybe during a period of intense emotional pain while eating wheat sandwiches etc. I've accepted it as normal that eating wheat products produces a fiery painful heat and anger in my body. Perhaps not a lot of other people experience that? Other body pains often comes on with a feeling of pain and anxiety. I have always tried to shut these emotions out as ‘oh no, not this again’. Now, I’m awakening to the idea of feeling the feeling. It’s a new experience and taking some practice. Rather than reverting to distraction and avoidance, I’m now sitting with the emotions, and if I can, journaling. I like the idea @acharax has of mock violence. I’m going to incorporate my boxing bag into this as well.

I think that's probably a big deal to notice that not all pain is the same. It's helping me to separate out mind body pain and respond to it as such.

This is amazing (I'm slightly jealous - sorry one of my personality traits - along with brutal honesty ha ha) if you can begin to link your pain with your emotions and then you can learn to feel those emotions instead of supressing them - then surely the next step will be freeing yourself from the symptoms. Tell me did you do anything in particular to link the emotions to the symptoms, or did it just happen for you - I'm really pleased for you and it show this work works. so again thanks for sharing and helping keep me motivated.