?You have a herniated disc. You are going to have to live with this pain. I don't recommend surgery.?

That's what my doctor said to me after looking at the results of an MRI that I agreed to have due to excruciating back pain. He offered me nothing, not even hope. As soon as I heard this man coldly inform me that I would live a life filled with chronic pain, I silently refused to accept his words as my truth.

I Must Heal!

I set a strong intention to become pain free and my journey toward healing began. Weekly chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massages became the norm for me. While working, I often found a flat surface to lie on during my lunch hour. This was the only way I could manage to sit behind a desk all day. (so much for packing errands and eating into that short time frame!) During the evenings, I often soaked in a hot bath and used heating pads to relieve my pain. Even though my chiropractor suggested ice, I loved the way heat soothed the muscles spasms I frequently endured. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing also helped me manage the pain and the stress it added into my already stressful life.

Pain encouraged me to slow down so I did. Along with changing my lifestyle, I also entered into an intimate relationship with my back, neck and shoulders. These parts of my body that had been taken for granted now guided me in almost every move and choice I made.

A Blessing?

My herniated disc is one of the best things that ever happened to me. It set me on a path toward learning about the mind, body, spirit connection before I reached my thirties. I began to realize that my choices greatly impacted my health. Now I have learned to listen to my body through my experience with back pain. If my back pain flares up, I know it is time to examine my choices, get a massage, sit in hot water, stretch or simply rest.

Tuning into the Body

It is easy to take the body for granted and forget that it is truly a miraculous container for the mind and spirit. Try getting mindful about your body. Tune into it and listen to what it is saying to you. It's likely that your body can serve you in more ways than you may realize.

Tips for Tuning In:

Check in to see how your body feels when you are making a decision. A tight feeling in your stomach might tell you which options are not in your best interest. Pay attention! Your body is trying to point you toward the best choice for you.

Honor pain. Often, we curse pain. What good does this do? Try viewing pain as your ally and look for ways it might guide you toward healing.

Notice when you feel good in your body. What are you doing? What feels right about the moment? How can you bring more moments like this into your life?

Practice love and gratitude for your body. Instead of focusing on the body's imperfections, focus on all that it does for you. Send your body love and connect with it more fully in a positive way.

Suggested Reading to learn more about the mind, body, spirit connection:

Heal Your Body by Louise Hay
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing by Christiane Northrup, MD.
Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power by Caroline Myss, Ph.D.

("Listening to the Body" is about the mind, body, spirit connection. This article is based on my personal experience and opinions. It is not intended to be medical advice. ~Beverly Keaton Smith)

(c)2006 Beverly Keaton Smith