During this training cycle for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I've been reflecting on my healing journey in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I'd known about the healing power of the mind/body connection through Bernie Siegel,MD since the 1980's. One of my favorite examples of the power of the mind/body connection happened after abdominal surgery. In his books and talks, Bernie talks about giving hypnotic suggestions to his patients while under anesthesia. When I met with the anesthesiologist at my pre-op visit, he was familiar with Bernie's work. I told him how I always got sick after anesthesia. He said he'd be happy to give me a suggestion to help me wake up feeling comfortable and pain free. When I woke up in the recovery room, as I felt as though I was going to be sick, the wave of nausea stopped. I had a sudden craving for a BBQ hamburger and asked for one out loud. The anesthesiologist had told the Team the suggestion he made and I heard laughter reverberate in the room! Can you believe it?
There have been times when I have used deliberate focused intentions to address healing a condition in my body. In April of 2007, I had an abnormal mammogram and used visualization to dissolve the tumor. Creating poetry that harnessed the power of the mind/body connection focused on rewiring my nervous system with love after polio and trauma. The runner within me was born in my imagination in the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", that foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I used chiropractic, KT tape, a revised strength training regimen and visualization to dissolve bone spurs, grow a new gastroc muscle, repair torn cartilage, and reverse degenerative changes due to arthritis. That total knee replacement that I was told I'd need in a few years never happened. I was told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. Well not so much. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K in 2016. Can you believe it?
There have been setbacks and comebacks along the way that I met with my profound belief in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. By falling in love with the process and trusting the results would come, I celebrate, thriving in the wake of polio and trauma aging strong.
While many of my healing moments were driven by intentional visualizations with allowing the incredible Intelligence within us to heal, there is one that teaches us about the Divine Intelligence that happens as a result of nature's incredible design. In 1992, I had a femoral osteotomy on my left leg to correct the alignment in my left leg. My leg was bowed as a result of childhood paralytic polio causing the knee joint to wear down. Doing a total knee replacement in my late 30's was not ideal. My surgeon, Donald T. Reilly had invented the procedure. A year after the surgery, we both agreed on removing the hardware. It was uncomfortable especially in cold weather. I was non-weight bearing for 6 weeks after the surgery while the holes from the screws that held the plate in place filled in with new bone! I truly did not give it a second thought as Dr. Reilly was totally confident about nature's healing process. When I returned for my post-op visit, he took an x-ray and sure enough I could toss aside the crutches and be weight bearing since the bone healed! Can you believe it?
As I share my healing journey, my hope is to inspire others with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. I can believe what's possible because others shared their healing stories. Two stories in particular that inspired me on my journey are Wilma Rudolph and Evy McDonald. Of particular note is that when I set out on a quest to heal my life, I did not know what the outcome would be. I loved the song "Dancing Through Life" from Wicked and was determined that whatever the outcome, if I were to spend my life in a wheelchair, I would dance through life. Yet I fell in love with myself, the process of healing and what miraculous results happened beyond my wildest imaginings. Can you believe it?
Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.
I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast."Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.
My
books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities;
what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are
available on Bookshop
My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my
7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a
Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration
From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running
Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.