Every healing journey has a threshold.
For Maura, crossing it meant recognizing the opportunity beyond the challenges, questioning the answers she had been given, doing the work to uncover emotional insights and opening the door to a different path to recovery.
Her story explores the unseen work of healing, the impact that journey has on caregivers, family, friends, co-workers and healthcare professionals and what becomes possible when we are ready to step across the threshold together.
You Should Be Better tells the true story of Maura’s journey navigating life after a concussion. After her acute injuries healed, Maura continued to suffer from chronic symptoms for many years including hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), tinnitus (ear ringing), hives, and anxiety. When traditional approaches failed to bring lasting relief, Maura became determined to explore the root causes of symptoms to truly be better.
After working with medical practitioners who emphasized mindfulness and mindbody practices, Maura explored and accepted that her chronic symptoms were perpetuated by repressed emotions, certain personality traits, and a deep fear of sound. Through consistent mindbody practices, she ultimately uncovered a deeper sense of self and the understanding that she possessed the power within to be better.
Through this book, you will be introduced to the science and research behind the brain-body connection and will learn about a wide variety of tools and practices. This approach to healing can help both those who are struggling with chronic ailments and the people who love and support them. Healthcare professionals may find insights and tools to share with their patients who are looking for renewed hope.
Podcasts & Resources
The following resources and practitioners were pivotal on Maura’s recovery journey:
Curable
Dr. Howard Schubiner
Mind Body Medicine for the 21st Century - Dr. Howard Schubiner
Free: 21-Day Pain Recovery Program (Alan Gordon)
Pain Recovery Program | TMS and Neuroplastic Symptom discussion
Pain Psychology Center & Alan Gordon
Dr. Marcia Dewey
Free Course: Steady Coach Healing from Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivity
Free: Palouse Mindful Based Stress Reduction Program:
Dr. Kristen Neff: Self-Compassion Institute
As a compassionate caregiver, Maura’s husband and musician, Brian Packham, composed a new piece of piano music called Quiet Music.
This hour-long piece is Brian’s response to Maura’s health situation—what he was experiencing, his impression of what she was going through, and the impact on those around them.
May it provide a quiet respite on your healing journey.