How singing has helped me overcome my back pain!
I will let you in to a secret! 24 years ago, I graduated from The Royal Academy of Music, musical theatre class of 2000. It was one of the happiest years of my life. Firstly, it was such a beautiful environment to be in, surrounded by unbelievably talented teachers and musicians. As I walked through the corridors, I would hear the most exquisite music coming from instruments, that quite frankly I didn’t even know existed! I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. I was immersed in music and movement, and I was able to express myself through music every day. Singing is my thing, it is my go-to place, where I transport to happiness and flow. Time stands still and I feel free.
Fast forward the clock by a decade or so and I had reached the stage in my life where I had a different career, children, and responsibilities. I had stopped singing and this was also when my back pain story began, you will come to learn that I don’t believe in coincidences!
After starting upon my journey of self-discovery and development, I realised that I had become very good at pleasing everyone around me, making sure that their needs were met but I had been ignoring my own. As I didn’t have my expressive outlet anymore it had become easy to bury my emotions, they had nowhere to go, they were literally trapped in my body!
As a stress illness practitioner, I now follow various practices to allow myself to feel the emotions that are arising in me, to face them without fear and to allow them to pass though my body and to let go. In turn my pain has diminished. Emotional pain can and does manifest as physical pain if not acknowledged and processed safely.
Most important of all, I am singing again. I joined a local choir and every week I dust off my vocal chords, give them a damn good airing and it feels so good!
Not everyone likes singing of course but have a think about what hobbies you used to do for fun, that you might like to revisit. Or perhaps try a new activity that you fancy having a go at.
Participating in joyful activities and being playful are an important element when breaking the cycle of fear, anxiety, and pain and help with recovery.
If you need support overcoming anxiety, stress or pain do reach out to me.
I would love to talk to you.
