The film begins with a reunion of Dr. Howard Schubiner’s first group of participants who worked through the program of how to release the mind of its pain producing patterns. I am hooked within the first five minutes and cannot look away for the next 80 minutes. The participants represent various parts of my life experience including pain, fatigue, headaches, and decreased ability to work. The participants also represent other experiences I do not encounter such as daily pain killers including narcotics and over-the-counter medications to attempt to alleviate the pain.
The desire to pass increases the more others rank impairments according to a preconceived idea that some impairments decrease quality of life more than others. People with disabilities can speak out against this hierarchy and support each other without trying to one-up another's impairment.
Ever determined, even after the doctor diagnosed her with fibromyalgia, she tried everything to help us feel better. She changed her diet, workouts, and hydration. Plus, she fed us many supplements. We soaked in bubbles and salts, enjoyed massages, took naps, and basked in heat, but nothing worked. We still love her and try to do what she asks, but she only resents us. She does not want us anymore. Yet every morning we wake up thinking, Today is the day! We will do anything she asks and more. We try. We truly do, but nothing works. We are sorry she dropped the razor in the shower again this morning because the flexors could not contract. We feel her frustration when she cannot easily get into and out of a jacket because the left Deltoid has frozen. We feel bad about that too.
