Our Bodies, Our Selves

Let me start out by saying that this is not going to be a guide to where the clitoris is. Sorry, boys.

Instead, I'd like to ponder the power of the mind over the body. Now, I know that we've all heard about the impact on our outlook on recovery, that laughter is the best medicine, (or is that living well is the best revenge?). Then there's the other side, we've heard about people who lose limbs and still feel the pain. I've accepted all of those as truths.

However, in the last couple of days I've been reminded what the mind can do.

Example 1) Me. Saturday night I had a dream that I was injected with a sedative. I felt the needle piercing my skin, I felt the drugs take affect, I slept late (for me) and woke up remembering the dream vividly. For the rest of the day I felt like I was in a drugged stupor. I couldn't form words, I couldn't wake up, I couldn't shake that medicated feeling. I ended up going back to bed, not once - but twice, because I felt so out of control over my own physical abilities. I've decided (because I am such an expert) that my mind took over to get my body the rest it needed. I haven't been sleeping much, and I think my mind and body just said "that's it - you need this rest - and we're gonna make you take it."

Example 2) After a rocky night with my little one, who was sent home from day camp yesterday for being sick, I took a friend and colleague to the hospital emergency room this morning. She was so weak, shaking, barely able to walk, and having a hard time forming thoughts. Luckily it was a slow day at the E.R., and she was taken back quickly. They took every body fluid they could find - and what did the tests show? Nothing. That's right - they weren't able to find any reason for her to feel the way she did. So, being the untrained, but born to be know-it-all doctor that I am, I've made my diagnosis. This friend is under so much stress, that I think she's just overloaded her capabilities, and her body fought back.

So I guess the point today is to listen to what your body, your head, and if all else fails, what those who care about you are saying - or your mind will take over, and that's really scary.