I have read with interest, books and articles on how our thoughts affect our physical bodies. Books written by Deepak Chopra, M.D., Bernie Segal, M.D., and many other qualified and credible people.
And how by changing those thoughts, you can actually change what's going on inside your body to the point of healing.
I am fascinated by thinking that takes us out of routine. Thinking that challenges accepted concepts and old methods of doing things. I like stretching boundaries, inventing new ways of teaching, learning, creating, writing, gardening, building, singing - anything and everything that gets us out of dull, routine, boring.
But at the same time it's a little hard to believe that your thoughts might actually control what's happening in your body. After all, how can someone really chase away their bodily ills with a mere thought? Poof! My cancer, MS, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, broken leg, etc. etc. is gone because I wish it so?
Sounds more like magic or wishful thinking than reality.
However, if you ask anyone how they feel when happy, they will say: "Wonderful! Alive! Joyful! I am dancing with delight! Life is fun! "
"But how does your body feel?" you persist.
"Body? Oh, that's as light as air. I feel good!"
Ask someone sitting dejectedly on a park bench in the rain, how they feel, and they will say: "Life sucks! My knees ache, shoulders burn, back is bugging me. Go away and leave me alone!"
"But how does your body feel?"
"Don't you have ears? Didn't you hear me? It hurts! Now get lost!!"
Hmmm. There must be something to this.
Then I had one of those "lightbulb moments".
I was driving home from the doctor's office when it hit me.
Over the past week, I've been complaining (via email) to members of the COPD support group.
"I feel trapped. I feel like my wings are clipped. I feel like a butterfly impaled on a pin and stuck in a box".
This is how I've been feeling for quite some time. Our long winter played a significant part in this. But ultimately, I know I'm not handling the emotional part of Caregiving very well and this is what struck me on the way home from my doctor's office.
This is exactly what my body is mirroring back to me.
The pain, the heaviness - I may have fibromyalgia. Not sure yet - have to go through some bloodwork first.
Fibromyalgia is feeling sore all over. Feeling tired, depleted. Trapped inside my own body. I can't garden anymore - or if I do, it's for a very short time and then I have to stop and rest.
I fooled around too much at Aquafit the other day and the next day my body let me know.
What the heck?? Slow class aquafit!! O.K. O.K. - I know I was behaving like a little kid pretending to be riding a seahorse (pool noodle), bouncing up and down because this teacher ( a substitute) was playing funky music and I couldn't stop. But really!
My body is telling me it's tired. Tired of Caregiving, tired of raking, sweeping, housework, tired of feeling stuck.
So now I have to listen. I have to slow down. Don't know how I can turn this situation around, but I now see the connection between Mind and Body.
So I ask you - does our body truly reflect our thoughts?
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4 comments:
I've read a lot on the subject, also. Something so simple as saying,"I am Ok,happy, well, etc." instead of "I'm going to be well, etc."
The brain is a marvelous thing responding to messages we send it. I've been trying to remember to sit on the edge of bed in morn and say I feel great -
Actually, I do believe in the connection between mind and body. But it is not the entire answer. I have fibromyalgia(10)years and no amount of thinking I felt better made it so. Stress is a huge factor with the fibro and of course only increases the stress. With meds and support from family and friends, I have managed to hang on and enjoy life in spurts and starts. Now though, I am on the most amazing medicine-Lyrica and I have my life back. It is much easier, now, to tell myself I feel good. I hope you find some relief.
So wonderful to read this post. I am a believer of the power of the mind over the body. No it will not cure us but I believe it does give us a better quality of life. I have had personal health issues. which I don't want to talk about, and it has taken many years to put what I believe into practice. I was helped by reading matter, diet, and mostly my rapport with nature. My garden and the wildlife, heal me everyday. I do not think I would be as well as I am without it.
I do hope that you can find some solace in your mind and body. Also that you find a path to walk that will take you where you want to go. The mind is powerful. Look at the monks who sit for hours in one position meditating. I could go on.
I enjoyed this post and thank you for dropping by my blog.
M
Thanks Jean, it's a good way to start the day. I do think we feel better if we affirm those good feelings each morning.
Beckie - I'm so glad you found some medicine that relieves your fibro. It's horrible to feel pain all the time.
Thanks for your comments Cheryl. I do find solace in my garden. And I looooong to be by the ocean. One day.....
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