The Body/Mind Health Corner™

with Steven Rogat

February/March 2001

Dear Steven: About three years ago I hurt my right shoulder while chopping wood. It still hurts every now and then. My doctor diagnosed it as bursitis, and recommended I see a specialist to look at my rotator cuff, but I want to avoid surgery. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated. At that time in my life, I accepted a job with more travel and higher pay, and my wife became self-employed out of the home. We also got our child into preschool.

Sincerely, Tim, Philadelphia, PA

Dear Tim: Please do see a specialist and explore medical options available. However, much can be done to help the healing. The shoulders represent perceived responsibility. The right shoulder reflects giving support to others. The "itis" in Bursitis points toward anger. For you specifically, you may be angry and feel you are giving support (emotional and/or financial) to someone out of a sense of responsibility. Release the anger constructively, without blaming yourself or others. Explore means of helping others in ways that FEEL good. Do you wish to travel more, or less? Can any "excess" responsibility be shared with someone else or fulfilled in more MUTUALLY rewarding ways? You may also discover that half the things you "should" do are also things you want to do. Getting help from a third party with the intent of changing relationship patterns may also be extremely useful. 

Positive thought to manifest: "I, Tim, now ALLOW myself to give support freely without obligation. I ALLOW others to support me on this."

Blessings and happy giving, Steve

Dear Steve: Recently, my left knee has been locking up on me. Sometimes it just gives way and doesn't support my weight. I also frequently wake up with my fingers bent and painfully stiff. The doctor says it's the onset of arthritis, but I'm only 27 years old and too young for this to happen. I'm just finishing up my internship as a school counselor. My husband and I plan to move back down to Georgia in a few months because of a job transfer he got.

Thanks for your help, Jennifer, Orlando, FL

Dear Jennifer: The knee has to do with either being too flexible in your decisions or too stubborn. The left leg represents the need to be honest within personal relationships. The "itis" in arthritis in the hands reflects anger at the perceived need to hold onto or let go of something. For you personally, you vary between being too indecisive and too stubborn. This is ruled by your emotions and can be remedied by deciding what things in your life are important for you to hold onto, and what things you really wish to let go of. You need to be totally honest with
your husband about your feelings regarding the upcoming move. I wonder if you want to stay where you are and not make the upcoming move, and if your husband can have enjoyable and rewarding work in the present location. 

Positive thought to manifest: "I, Jennifer, now acknowledge my needs and wants. I communicate them clearly and lovingly, and I allow others to gain joy from that."

Blessings, and good luck with the (non?) move, Steve