Don't Distract - Engage

[@MorComm]

Excellent point.

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Thank you Dan

[@Hinz2005]

Good morning, all! I can attest to the efficacy of just living your life. In fact, I haven't had time to catch up on my Dan Vids since December 16th! I've been on a vacation, attending holiday events, working out daily (so grateful), watching dumb tv, cleaning my house, being ENGAGED in my own life. Today, I had a quiet morning without meetings so I thought I'd pop in for some Dan time. Perfect message. I am here to tell you all that Dan's approach is highly effective. If you feel confused because there isn't a checklist, don't fret. Just keep listening every day. I started back in January of 2021 when he really zero'd in on PDP. I just listened and tried, listened and tried. My pain was an 8-9 of 10 back in August of 22. Quickly down to an intermittent 1-3 thereafter. I would have pain free days and some little flares here and there between September and early December - totally fine with that! However, I have been pain free since December 10th, 2022!!! I just sortof realized that I wasn't having flares anymore. January 10th, 2023 was my 40th birthday and it was a full month of zero pain or twitches. What a wonderful gift. Love you Dan.

[@PainFreeYou]

Wow - fantastic!!! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@1STBUCKLEY]

Life really does begin at 40. So happy to read your post. Thanks for sharing

[@Inge508]

Bravo for you ! All your efforts have a happy ending! My pains started at 40, your new life starts at 40! So happy for you ! Enjoy your new found health every day!👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉❤️‍🩹

[@AvaGreenFeather]

Excellent video! 👏😊

[@PainFreeYou]

Thanks Ava.

[@nataliabrady4927]

Dan, that is so true! For me, it is important to feel that I am not stuck in one place with pain. I want to move forward with life and have sense of accomplishment. I want to feel satisfaction from learning and experiencing new things. I used to wake up each morning with huge anxiety and dread about the upcoming day. Now I wake up with joyful anticipation about the things that I will do and create that day. Here are the things that engage my brain and bring me happiness - learning to play piano, cross stitching Christmas picture, crochet animals, creating family photo albums, learning a new language on Duolingo, trying new recipes, learning to knit socks, painting by numbers. I know that often it feels that that chronic pain defines who we are and we forget our inner desire to learn, to grow, to create. I wish everyone on this journey to remember who they truly are; remember their interests and passions and ENGAGE in these activities. Your brain will thank you :)

[@1STBUCKLEY]

Great message to remember our "desire to learn, to grow, to create" thanks

[@PainFreeYou]

Wonderful comment. Thank you for sharing your experience and insights Natalia.

[@gingerschultz3258]

Thanks Natalia. I have considered paint by numbers.

[@anniechin2162]

Dan the MINDSET MAN when I first started the Coaching Calls I was distracting until I learned your concepts on engaging in life! Engaging is like feeling joy and happiness for me when I’m doing something I really like. Meeting my daughter once a week for lunch, going walking in nature, retail shopping brings me joy because I’m teaching/showing Mrs Brain I’m really OK doing normal activities! I couldn’t do what I just typed above a year later I’m doing this plus more! Dan and the Community is what is helping me MOVE FORWARD I am so grateful! I could not do this TMS/PDP alone I had no one to guide me Dan is my GUIDE! Thank you 🙏

[@PainFreeYou]

My pleasure Annie. It's been amazing to see your journey back to living. Yes, you still have a way to go, but you have come so far.

[@anniechin2162]

@@PainFreeYou ❤️🙏 Thank you Mindset Man

[@1STBUCKLEY]

Heartwarming to read. A whole world out there to discover. Very inspiring to read, thanks for sharing x

[@anniechin2162]

@@1STBUCKLEY Thank you PB I hope you are feeling better ❤️

[@gingerschultz3258]

If I didn't have these symptoms I'd be working. The times where I've had the biggest improvement is symptoms was during the holiday break when I was busy socializing with family and playing games and when I visit my mom for a couple of days. She's 80 and has way more energy and motivation than I do at this time. I did have an uptick in symptoms but it didn't last long and I can tell my brain is changing. Yesterday, I tried out delivering for instacart. The order I ended up picking was a two person order. It took me an hour to shop, then the first apartment I went to it took me 30 minutes to find them and I had to carry two cases of water bottles. I didn't know the order would be that hard. I was exhausted by the end of it. I talked to my brain when I started catastrophizing about what the consequences of this could be for me and told my brain we are safe. Anyways, the repercussions were not as bad as I thought it would have been. I do have an uptick in fatigue and symptoms, but I can tell it's not going to last but maybe two days. So, when I'm feeling up to it again I'm going to try out food delivery and see how that goes. I could use this as a way to show my brain we're safe and make a little money at the same time.

[@peterwu8471]

A few days of intense stress and now my pain is through the roof... and a new symptom... eye pain with movement. Got it checked. Eyes look totally normal to the doctor.

[@PainFreeYou]

The task at hand is recovery from fear. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jITQhZhur7WLnpI

[@Sonder0077]

Thank you for bringing up crochet. I started wondering if my crocheting was a distraction. I teach myself new patterns via youtube. I come out the other end with a lovely blanket after a couple of weeks and then I start another one. Crochet always calms me down. There are so many crocheters on youtube who talk about their anxiety and how crochet helps them.

[@PainFreeYou]

Not a distraction if you are doing it because you love it.

[@zs3671]

Dan is a national treasure for sure

[@PainFreeYou]

Wow, thanks!

[@kathleenwharton2139]

Relax and Allow.

[@PainFreeYou]

Yes.

[@robertasmith3437]

When I have nothing planned for the day and I’m home alone that’s often a time for me when my sensations pop up for a visit. I’ve found reading fiction during this time to be really helpful, to immerse yourself in a good book is a really great way to enter another world. Just leave the horror genre alone 😂

[@sandyg7291]

Same for me Roberta. I’ve been devouring ‘happily ever after’ books and have recently gotten back to hand quilting. Or else I do laundry and get out in the garden … if I’m living my life I don’t notice any discomfort.

[@PainFreeYou]

Thanks for sharing!! So true about not reading horror stories.

[@robertasmith3437]

@@sandyg7291 I love hand sewing too. It’s very therapeutic, it’s almost like meditating.

[@gingerschultz3258]

I've noticed that with me as well. I've started playing mahjong solitaire and watching Seinfeld. Laughing seems to help me. I'll have to add reading fiction as well. Well, I am also reading the bible. Whether that's fiction or not is debateable. ;)

[@donnablatman3283]

Thanks, Dan! So true!! Engaging and being present in what you're doing makes all the difference in the world! :). Thanks for helping me continue to move forward!

[@PainFreeYou]

You got it!

[@Inge508]

Bravo for your engagement Dan! Hope it won’t be too tiring for you! Yes engage in life is key! Have a great day and thanks for the good video ! 🙏🤗🌻

[@LilyOscar333]

Inge delighted to hear you back on track ..😊 We all heal in our own way. Have a good day 🌺🌺

[@Inge508]

@@LilyOscar333thanks Lily ! Have a good day as well !🤗☘️☘️☘️

[@cheryl8493]

Yes, this makes perfect sense. As we engage, we’re feeling joy, and I think the brain wants to enjoy itself, therefore, concentrates on the positive, away from the negative sensations.

[@PainFreeYou]

When we are engaged in activity, the brain feels safe. Safety dials down symptoms.

[@cheryl8493]

@@PainFreeYou ahh yes, perfect sense! All about messages of safety to the brain. Did you basically talk to yourself all day long, Dan? I guess in a sense we’re undoing “pain wiring” that has taken hold to get to a non-pain wiring brain?

[@PainFreeYou]

@@cheryl8493 Yes, the brain is always wiring and rewiring itself. BUT....we don't have to think about wiring the brain. It knows what to do.

[@1STBUCKLEY]

Distract=negative/Engage=positive 💍

[@PainFreeYou]

Yes.

[@krobin7h]

You are one of a rare handful of people on YoutTube who does not have an ad come up before or during their video. 1000 blessings to you for not monetizing. What goes around comes around! James

[@PainFreeYou]

Thanks for noticing. I could definitely monetize the channel and do fairly well, but that detracts from the message.

[@XXO-Rosie]

THANK YOU 💖

[@PainFreeYou]

Any time!

[@chrisgreen2781]

This is a crucial point to remember, especially when you are trying to explain TMS and your management of it to other people. They say “keeping busy doesn’t work for me… “. As you say , it is not just keeping busy and distracted - it is enjoying an experience and life. Thank you!

[@PainFreeYou]

Indeed

[@dorisanaitoh6892]

Wow, this is crazy I woke up this morning thinking what is the difference between distract and doing activities. You answered my question. Thank you.

[@PainFreeYou]

Wonderful! Glad it was helpful.

[@Lenneke8422-b3t]

So true... Engage is positive distract negative soo true... I wish I could join your group calls I simply cannot afford to live of a very small pension grrrr and my rent went up from incredibly because of the gas prices.. This is not an excuse but reality I will engage..

[@PainFreeYou]

People are getting well just watching and implementing the free daily videos. You can too.

[@Lenneke8422-b3t]

Thank you glad to hear that really in tears now.. Love you Dan 😘🙏

[@robertasmith3437]

@@Lenneke8422-b3t I have only been watching Dan’s daily videos and my progress has been massive. You can do it too ❤

[@Lenneke8422-b3t]

Thank you Roberta much appreciated 😘

[@paulamorphett9131]

Defo doing kore the life thing 😊 thankyou dan your video's encourage me to do more in life 🤗❤ more smiles and less sorrow 😊

[@PainFreeYou]

Wonderful Paula.

[@mayhorseradish]

I'm trying to live more in creation as opposed to living in survival

[@PainFreeYou]

Wonderful.

[@LilyOscar333]

Thanks Dan.. mindset and engaging in life. Not waiting until you feel better. 🙏

[@PainFreeYou]

Absolutely!

[@dorothybeveridge3133]

Thank you . I needed that today. Have a funeral today. 👍

[@PainFreeYou]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@adamrosefire]

I read a book about a year ago called the way out, and he recommends distraction when the pain level is at a certain level. The thing is he defines distractions similar to how you define engage. So he saying the same thing but he has different definitions. It’s important not to get too attached to definitions.

[@PainFreeYou]

In my opinion it's about the intention behind the activity. If you are engaged in something interesting, great. If you are running away from symptoms, not great.

[@evandallas3599]

Great video… however my symptoms (much more than just pain) can flare sometimes so bad I can’t really engage in anything too meaningful. If I do, it just propels me further downwards. What do I do in these periods? This is when I really fall off the wagon and don’t know what to do…

[@PainFreeYou]

The key is to engage the brain, not necessarily the body. A great fiction book, artwork, watch a funny show. Anything but sitting around thinking about symptoms.

[@DeboraBettiol]

I really needed this today! Thank you! Dan, what's your take on body posture/positions? My intuition says we don't have to worry about that (in fact, every time I was told to watch my posture, I would tense up to stay like that, and have pain as a result - before it was chronic -, so I think it's bullshit). But I just want to know your opinion, since Sarno doesn't talk a lot about posture in his books. I also observe other people to see how they act and behave, and I see a lot of them with """bad posture""" while sitting, for example. And I think they don't have pain - another evidence of what I think is a big nocebo for us.

[@PainFreeYou]

Your intuition is correct. We don't hurt due to bad posture. Focusing on ending pain with "better" posture is BS.

[@DeboraBettiol]

@@PainFreeYou thank God! Thank you for everything, Dan! You're light in the darkness 🌟

[@PainFreeYou]

@@DeboraBettiol My pleasure.

[@gingerschultz3258]

I tried this route for a while as well. I felt like I was in a straight jacket trying to sit and stand just perfectly. I've let it go. It wasn't helping me, but just making me feel uptight.

[@RaphaWasHere]

stop reading my mind JAJAJAJ,. i was on a date yeterday and at the beginig i had so much fun that i didnt feel any disconfort then when i started to evalue it as a good sight i started to feel it again :(

[@PainFreeYou]

SO commone. LOL

[@networthassoc2006]

Dan can you please comment on your thoughts on getting out of derealization feelings? It’s the most horrible feeling and I can’t stand it. I’ll take the pain and work on everything as long as this feeling disappears

[@PainFreeYou]

While I recognize how upsetting that feeling is, the best way for it to resolve is to not fear it. Not make it the MOST important thing. Pain AND derealization is a response to a brain perceiving danger. Fearing the symptom just adds more unnecessary fear to the equation.

[@camusoshin]

You should read at last a life. Helped me out of DPDR. :)

[@networthassoc2006]

@@camusoshin I have that book, along with DARE. I guess I’m having a hard time relating these feelings to only anxiety

[@networthassoc2006]

@@PainFreeYou thank you Dan. I’m trying.

[@camusoshin]

@@networthassoc2006 take a look at the dpdr manual and the guys website who made it, he lists all the symptoms :)

[@RedaEttabii]

Hey dan a tms therapist said to me that my problem with sinuses is simply my cranial fascia getting tight as i am going on this anxiety Journey. What is ur take on that. Thanks for helping us

[@PainFreeYou]

Did they say why your cranial fascia was getting tight? Did they say what you should do about that? Or did they just say you have a fascia issue? In my opinion, fascia issues are the RESULT of the brain perceiving danger and not the cause of symptoms.

[@RedaEttabii]

@@PainFreeYou she said the following : I'm a craniosacral therapist. In my professional and personal experience with TMS it's our fascia, or connective tissues, that our brain actually sends signals to, telling them to "tense up" temporarily, and without creating damage, when we have repressed emotional stress/trauma/feelings. Those areas can be getting a tense like other places in our body. Nothing is wrong, it's just the brain telling those areas to be a little tight. You can work with them the same as everywhere in the body!

[@PainFreeYou]

@@RedaEttabii the difference is that this Cranial Sacral therapist believes a hands on technique on the body is the solution. This can unfortunately confuse the brain into believing there is a body problem. This type of "treatment" is exactly the type of thing Dr Sarno was speaking about when he said "Stop all physical treatments".

[@RedaEttabii]

@@PainFreeYou so why im getting those cranial fascia tight its like a pressure on my skull that brings disconfort. Treat it as a tms symptom?

[@PainFreeYou]

@@RedaEttabii TMS is the cause, so yes. Treat it like TMS. The more we focus on fixing the body, the longer this will persist. TMS, by definition, means the body is okay already. How can fixing the body stop a problem the brain is creating? Messages of safety are the way out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4TWfKF3nKappLs

[@1STBUCKLEY]

👏👏👏👏😴😴😴

[@massagepublications]

Your generosity is amazing, Dan! ❤❤

[@PainFreeYou]

Thank you Peggy.