In the March Dreambody Medicine Forum we began by answering questions. One was about how all the different aspects of our lives can be connected through our life myth. How symptoms, relationship, dreams, peak experiences, addictions etc may contribute and add some meaning to them.

Another question was about chronic symptoms and how to work with someone who wants the pain to go away. The answer was it depends on the individual depending on their life myth. Also about health in sickness and how it is important to make sure someone is getting support in every way possible and then to go a little into not just being against a symptom but finding out more about the power that may be in its energy.

The work in the middle was on eczema, dry bumpy patches of skin on the shoulders. They drew a picture to represent what it was like. A white patch surrounded by darker skin. Then enlarged the patch to include tiny dots in clusters. Reminding them of something feminine or floral.

There was a part that was against being rough and bumpy and tough but somehow they need to have access to that in some situations. Further exploration let to relationship and work issues. It brought out a complex situation they found themselves in doing research about an issue they were also involved in being part of the problem. They realized how all view points are needed to bring out tough issues.

There was a childhood dream of being oppressed and mothers coming and rescuing their children.

A question we discussed as a group was how is our symptom are involved in how we decide how to be in the world.

Sometimes with a symptom there is nothing you can do but follow what it wants. There is no way you can control it. And on the other hand if we follow its energy how this can be relieving. For example with a migraine the only thing you want is to be left alone and maybe you really need time alone.

It takes a deep focus to listen to our symptoms and find meaning in them. In them there are strong processes about the belief systems we have. Working in a group on a symptom can help us protect ourselves from the social norms and can help us develop our own beliefs and values.

Question:

What helps you remember to focus on your symptoms and explore their meaning?