want to learn a pain-relief technique with omhome?

[omhome]

OK my first question for you folks is: where do you think we should hold this "class"---with discussion and Q and A-----but very very little about symptoms and diagnosis and venting (is necessary and helpful for sure but not in this context.).  At pain management (so much there is medical talk---not how the forum is described) or at the pain couch.   I have to say i prefer the couch but worry because there are so few people active there it seems right now. OR Both? (is that allowed?). So help me find a home for it and i will start building it. Who said "if i build it they will come" ? Cindee?  Anyway----now please responds soon and we will get it started.  To begin i will answer some of motown's excellent questions at couch  soon. Maybe this afternoon.  I await your responses!!!!  om   yogadon     should we do both--allowed?  om

[omhome]

yep---where are you?

[omhome]

so i don't understand why you all have let the "class" and associated threads disappear (page4??!) and get lost in the shuffle. I thought you were more interested and invested in this "theme"?  i love you guys where are you??
omhome

[omhome]

i posted in response to cindee on couch and thought it good for here and it applies to all of you and especially to cindee and motown.
    Motowngirl you are a challenge and an inspiration and a bit feisty and that will serve you well in your journey...you too---pass on (and in your own way) the "beach" technique and deepen the practice of it for yourself even (well especially) during the good or ok times.  
      thankyouthankyouthankyou----
and cindee
you have found that with just a little practice
and practicing during good or ok times--not just during stress--
that you can actually change how you are feeling and how you relate--
this is a huge discovery!
You don't need further instruction---just consistent practice---and that becomes every moment you remember to do it--in any body position-anywhere--anytime---living from that inner sanctuary as often as ya can
     Cindee--pass it on!!! Teach others the "trick" in your own way.  OK??
madman--dalubaba--ginger--aheart--all of you   godspeed!  
     OM SHANTI         Farewell my friends         omhome

[omhome]

   Hello!? You have an affinity for this sort of inner work----meditation--prayer---Cindee because it takes most people much longer to see such results. Pretty darn cool. so you--and the rest of our group know that at least some relief can be had with practice. Yeeehaw!      I am not joining any other boards.
       And MedHelp has been super patient with me----and i mean that sincerely or i would say so (and i have).  And helpful so thank you MH for the place to do this.
     I am perhaps beginning a fast from--words---talking---reading--anything to do with the normal blah blah blah of our daily lives -- It is called mauna and is a fairly common practice.Where i go  We will see---and Where in this Multiverse--Miniverse---not-really-there-verse i immerse in i will see..om
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[omhome]

hey everybody---one day to go for me!!!   Aren't you guys tired of all the oh i hurt my finger---my toe is numb---i think i hurt somewhere stuff that should not be here (read our descriptor) but has its' place at another forum.   I tried before with that and no response again.  
      PAIN is what this is about---severe ongoing pain---not a doctor's place to satisfy some requirements of service?? i don't get it---someone clue me in.
     alright---motowngirl delayed it---But you will lose this opportunity if you keep not participating (motown--cindee---you guys are doing fine and keep the success stories coming) i know cindee that you don't think it worked much when you needed it but you remembered to do it and it will work with practice--promise)_---they inspire others to try at least.   om

[omhome]

to anyone who cares to have some real pain management all you need for the next step (do the practice offered to you as described for short periods) is to increase the time practicing as you realize How Well this works. You will be able to then use it out in the world!
     I think no one really believes this (looks too simple?) and that is so sad. They deprive themselves of Real Relief-----instead of just talk talk talk about it----DO something about it! Up To You.
      a few of you have been wonderful and you will do well if you will only continue---ok?   I will be around a day or two and answer any questions about the technique before i move on to where there is an interest in genuine help.
      i love you fellow pain folks. Omhome

[Cindee56]

I did 5 minutes of breathing and looked at the fall leaves today.  I love fall colors.  Also, my dog, who is usually attached to my husband, came up to me and wagged his tail and licked my hand.  Made me feel good....

Not much, but something....

[omhome]

hey you guys please check out cindees post at the chronic pain couch---very inspirational. And instructive.  And know that we need you to help with this class. Experiences---hints---what works for you--0-what seems like a lot of  BS.  C'mon. Join the mh cult!!HA!   omhome

[omhome]

  cindee---i can't believe how much compassion and empathy you are offering so many posters (especially the first time ones who need response soon). Very beautiful!
     I "peeked" a note you left for peggysue---and i think you should invite her to check out our little group. You think??  
     And every time you recharge your battery by the meditations the more juice--the more energy --you have for those folks you help.   Let's aim high cindee and keep gathering those just like us together and see what together we can all do. And beginning from the most improbable place. Thank you medhelp.  and you cindee    omhome

[omhome]

thanks for that motowngirl---it took me to the beach too!!  I love it that with just a little attention on our part we can have this "inner retreat" our own beautiful "oasis within" . Don't forget the sun-screen! HA!!   Omhome

[Motowngirl67]

Just a quick note to let you know I am making my trip to the beach today. I am smelling all of the wonderful smells of the ocean, I am hearing the waves, I am feeling the breeze, the warm sand in my toes, I am here in the birds, in the waves, I am feeling the warm Sun on my skin! It is absolutely wonderful what a great break for the day.

[omhome]

hello motown and i hope you are able to visit the "beach" today. I want to say that you have described a wonderful way to become deeply absorbed in your meditation. All the senses involved. The smell---birds music--wave sounds---the awesome smell and touch of the sea breeze--feel of the warm sand--and you can taste the salt air!!!  I'll be there with you in spirit motown--keep at it!!
----say Yes Yes Yes to this day everybody----and be kind. om  yogadon

[omhome]

well----hmmmm.  here is one way of looking at what we are practicing and where it leads.  No hurry to add this but when you have gained a little skill at the relaxing and focusing and are able to observe--witness some thoughts sometimes (don't have to be perfect) then you might try a little game of "choose the thought".
     Imagine now that that inner screen or place where thoughts "pop up" in consciousness is your computer screen!! and when you sense a positive thought arising well you just "Click On" that thought!! Get it?  And if a painfull or negative thought wants to take over your screen (and your consciousness--your quality of mind--) then you can choose to hit Delete!!  Or for fun click on it and send it to Trash----home of the trashy thoughts!!HA!..  The Trick is to catch those suckers before they take over the whole screen or your whole day and with practice and imagination YOU can Do It.   Let me know if i need to clear that up a bit. But play with the idea and see if it is for you.  There will be more "tricks of thought" in the future but for now stay strong with the breath--your mantra-word---relax-refresh and grow that before hurrying to the next technique.   Alright---i am being patient and hope more of you are trying this.
      If you are serious about getting some "control" over the unpleasant or painful thoughts that color your day then This Technique is the foundation of any of that kind of stuff you might try. Your mind will tell you it's a waste of time (see--i tried and it didn't work--see told ya!) . It is not!!   I hope you will have some relief soon--be patient.   omhome

[omhome]

  Thanks motown and you just practice using beach and exaggerating the "feeling" of love for the waves--smells--birds all of it. After a while you won't have to pretend anymore--the feeling--that quality of mind---=will become real and you will be at the beach whenever you want (almost!)., And motown--just post in whenever you can.  I know you are there now and that is enough.  NOW!> where is everybody else???>   omhome

[Motowngirl67]

When I was in my late teens I went through some courses of.meditation and we started our serious of sessions this way we were to pick a 'happy place' as apposed to a word but I think I get the jest'.... Havent thought of or worked with any meditation or the likes in 20^ years.  I thank you for doing this, it is a great reminder of what a powerful thing the mind is.  My family would think I am nuts at this point. So lets get to practice and see what this guy gots to offer.  

I want to make a special shout out to om, thank you for this and to spend your time, energy, and asking nothing in return, not many out there anymore that will do that any more.

Lets see how far we can get. I am game;)

Right now I am on 30mg er morphine or oxycontin I think its called 60mg percocets, and 1050mg of SOMA per day along with my emotional issues at the moment we are adding a coctail of lamectal and klonopin....  I am getting authorizations for injections and affibulations to my c and t spine. With this I hope to get off all meds down to an advil as needed would be my dream goal.  Prior to my two surgeries I hated taking pills even vitamins so you can see how far I have came...  I am so proud.


Anyway I am gunho, full speed ahead, my only problem is life right now might not allow me to sign on each day. I'v got a very full plate as do all i'm sure...


So to share my word it is going to be 'beach' I love the beach, the smells, the happy families, the wild life, the waves, the music, the people, the warm sand, all of it, I love every bit of it!

[omhome]

   cindee---about a word.  I have used the word Yes in my classes--we all chant it Loud and with creativity and playfullness---Oh yeah--yesiree--hoo-ahh and any others.  We joke about teens using  "I know" "I know"  "it's all good" " my bad " things like that and i have tried that with them and they love it!
     And curve the corners of your lips towards your ears (gentle smile) while you do it. Yes Yes Yes.  I use it and yes away stuff all the time. Positive overcomes negative.  For contrast we chanted No a few times but didn't like how it felt at all.   Chanting Joy sounded like we were a choir. And "Love" was a powerful one.   I use OM because it has no meaning or association from my past and i attach an inner sunshiny feeling to it. Chases the clouds in my inner weather away.   So a little more about power of a word or phrase (mantra) to change the inner weather when we so desire later. If people respond i will continue---if they don't then we are on our own doing e-mail.  Hey---see what your husband thinks about this stuff!!   trust me cindee--you keep it up and iot will get stronger as a release from at least some of your pain.  OK?    omhome.

[omhome]

   i should mention that this is the place if you are of a devotional nature that you could use the word lord--jesus--mary if christian. Hindus use krishna---ram ram----devi---like that.  Buddhists have different words or chants they use here.  So this for religious folks is where you would rest and abide in that spirit.   one use of prayer--not for something--just a graceful abiding.  ok?  om
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[omhome]

   cindee: you will begin to notice your thoughts have wandered away from your focus on the breath----normal and happens to all of us and there is no need to try to stop them or push them away. Just gently guide the mind back to your point of focus. This bringing the mind back when it wanders is what strengthens the connection and as that "muscle" builds you will wander less and less and you will be able to relax and watch and observe the thoughts (with No judgement).   First step.  
       The next step will be to notice the negative or painful thoughts or impulses as they arise. This is where we can "diffuse" or "unplug" their power.  But----more on that later cindee.  Keep practicing----make it playfull not all serious or like work  ok???    omhome
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[omhome]

   you got it cindee---just relax into the birds visualization and let the breath slowly relax and imagine you are feeling peaceful and that will be enough. whenever you remember  you can imagine your way into this inner retreat you are building. Focus on each breath as each inhale-refresh and exhale-relax cycle brings you deeper peace and relaxation.  OK?  no more than that until you so desire!!!! I am glad ya got it.  omhome

[Cindee56]

Hi thanks I am trying--it took me a while to come up with a word--i think I will use the visual --working on the awareness of breathing.   You're so kind to do this.  

Please everyone omhome is spending a lot of time, so let's respond....

[omhome]

in this style (and you will develop  at your own pace and depending on practice) you can be in any physical condition. If you can have the spine fairly straight---sit or stand or lie down.  Eyes closed if comfortable---otherwise open but not darting around---stillness is good.  and if you can breathe thru the nose. Notice breathing calming but don't actively Do it or change it yet yourself.  
    Our inner observation deck---our own inner mh moderator!!Ha! our inner censor----however you decide to create it or call it will come after a little practice just observing the breath. You are doing that in the inhale-exhale practice.  more after some feedback from you guys.   i love you guys  now do the practice every day and post.   omhome

[omhome]

     now if you are more of a visual person you can imagine--visualize your favorite place.  Such as a pool of water--swimming hole----beach!(bring the dogs) a garden spot   whatever  and if you want (don't have to) add the "magic word" too.
    If more tactile then sense-feel brush of air at the inside tip of the nose and let that feel take you "home". We make an inner oasis or sanctuary we can visit anytime (times of more pain).
   the point is to be creative and inventive and experimental with what will work for you. Remember this is going to take a little time to find "It" but there are immediate rewards every time and like a plant just let it ripen at its' own pace.  relax.  refresh.   om

[omhome]

copy of earlier post--
     OK  so what does this have to do with pain? One of my good friends is a doula and she says that the women who use the breathing techniques that are core to the program swear by them. (not the swearing during labor!HA!). The more that they had practiced (often with the husbands) the more effective was the pain relief and the relaxation of the muscular tension!! Many of them continue the breathing exercise---along with some husbands (i see so few men in my classes) and teach it to their children (can be a "miracle" for some) It works for pain and the key is practice practice practice.  More about the inspiration (the inhale) next time.  om    don

[omhome]

an earlier post on same subject
    ok   so inhale-refresh. Any position(back straight) is fine just do it when you remember but every morning for sure. The feeling-state or your mental state (i call it inner weather) during refresh is like this===when we said the word "beach" to our lab there was instant JOY---tail going whole body excited happy happy dog---or the feeling of a child night before or morning of christmas---or you before the trip to bora bora!!That feeling! Imagine it! Really. imagination is powerful. The mind can believe it. Like placebo effect.  Or conditioning.  If you like add a word or image (or both) to help. So maybe say the word refresh (or beach) as you inhale and feel sunshiney. The more you practice this (tailor it to you) the more effective and reliable it becomes. At first just pretend you feel the refreshment. What can you lose.  
      Now don't hold or force your breath---just relaxed but full inhale---primary nutrient!! Elixir.  I know it sounds weird or hokey or?  but is bases on scientific principles.    Give it a try and see.   There is yet more to it than that but first  just this step..  
      Next time the exhale-relax practice. I bet many of you have done the exhale with relaxation and ahhhh  etc before.   Anyway make it a good day in spite of the challenges.    Sometimes it is a choice.   sometimes not.   om    yogadon
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