Yes, now it's official.

An Australian doctor entered my name into Medibank's database as a "Chronic Back Pain Sufferer". She wanted me to benefit from the "5 funded sessions" that Medicare will grant me.

I didn't have the heart to tell the doctor that:

1. I am not a resident of Australia and therefore don't qualify for the 5 free sessions.
2. I know how to manage my back injury - in fact, I am trained to help others do it.
3. I just want the anti-inflammatory pills: please write the script. (She did)

How can this be?

Me, an AD teacher of some 40 years, now officially a 'Chronic Back Pain Sufferer." If only you could see how much that makes me laugh out loud!!!

Back in 2001, a feisty two-year-old Angelica rushed towards her dad in the school carpark. I gave her my open arms, absorbing her momentum as I twisted around and upwards from my squatting…

I felt something weird happen in my lower back. 3 days later, I was laying down flat, unable to move. I didn't bother seeing a doctor or getting anti-inflammatory pills back then. I was still too arrogant and blind to understand that there was nothing wrong with me. It's OK to be injured. It's OK to be lying flat recovering. It's OK to see a doctor about it.

Instead, I used my knowledge to heal my Self. It worked, as I advertise it will!

For the next 14 years - no problem. No pain, no disability - nothing. I forgot all about it.

Till 2 years ago: BAMM!!!

Suddenly, while in a squat, as I leaned forward to light a candle at my altar, a faint echo of my injury pinged me. Ouch! It hurt. Not on-my-back-for-3 days hurting, more irritation and discomfort. So I started thinking more. And this time I had the good sense to get some anti-inflammatory pills. In a day, my pain dissapaited.

Now here it is again.

Oh dear.

Is it age? Maybe.

Is it Use of the Self I am unaware of? Yes.

Is it because I teach less, sit more these days? Contributes.

Is it because I separated, and have less exercise at night? Interesting theory.

Was it the 3 hours of wild dancing I performed at the Golden Week last night party?

Or is it because I am a terrible teacher who doesn't know a thing? Scrap that.

It remains my personal mystery, and one I relish solving.

And another salutary lesson in humility. It can happen to anyone. I long ago got over my identity crisis and self-shaming.

What, Alexander discovery teachers aren't supposed to have injuries?

Come on, let's not idealize ourselves too much.

Let's not turn our work into some creepy eugenics program aiming for the perfect race.

I know a great many teachers with various physical problems. In fact, it's what first attracted us

to Alexander's discovery - learning how to help our Self. Become self-reliant, being in charge.

Having an injury supports you understanding your Self more deeply. It's wonderful.

Now I am managing well. I am using BodyThinking information I have gathered in my anatomical wanderings - together with my understanding of Alexander's discovery - to take charge; to manage; to heal.

I again thank my Self that I have a method to deal with this.

My doctor was kind - she knew of the powerlessness and shame disability produces in people. She wanted to help. Because I suffered in 2001, then again in 2015, and now today - bingo! I am a chronic pain sufferer.

Prepare your Self, get the knowledge, be ready. It can happen to you.

BodyThinking Online.