Like the colorfully paved board game, Chutes and Ladders, the TMS journey is one filled with corrective experiences and necessary setbacks. While Candy Land, Clue, and Life, satisfy my inner 70’s child more, Chutes and Ladders has more practical application in the pain reprocessing domain of the mind body framework. The phrase “back to square one” actually hails from this classic game whose roots are in ancient India. Originally called Snakes and Ladders, the game is a metaphor for the duality of life. For every dangerous snake lurking around the corner, there is a ladder to bail us out and advance our progress.
The cycle of fear and symptoms that ensue in “chronic” conditions (tms), results in yet another cycle of fear – response – avoidance. These avoidant behavior patterns become habits of the brain and body, which lead to symptoms that are remembered and learned. The more one avoids and restricts activities or other “triggers”, the more anxious family members and doctors of the sufferer’s orbit grow, and the smaller their world becomes. In order to break this vicious cycle, we need to stop avoiding the “game”. If we wish to play and reach the finish line, we need to accept the chutes (the setbacks), not allow them to spoil our fun, continue to spin the wheel, and expect plenty of ladders along the way! While setbacks can be incredibly demoralizing and frustrating, do not begrudge them, for they are actually our friend! They bring us experience,
knowledge, and the opportunity to practice. If you are willing to practice, you WILL recover! This is the work! Another way to view them is captured in this quote: “Giving up your goal because of one setback, is like slashing three tires, because you got a flat.” So remember, confidence can only arise from experience. What better way to cultivate that, than by accepting the setbacks as speed bumps on the road? You can’t have a comeback without the setbacks, so trust the process and enjoy the ride, even when you hit those potholes!
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