Pain is a Teacher - Learn its Art
Most people view pain as something to be avoided at all costs. But what is pain?
Pain is a signal that something in your life is out of balance. Pain can be physical, emotional or mental.
Physical Pain
The body is a wonderfully intelligent mechanism that is self sustaining and extremely adaptable. The body has a constant goal that lasts throughout its existence - to be in balance. Another way to say balance is homeostasis.
Stress creates imbalances. A deeper sign of imbalance is sickness. Sickness is what happens when a foreign agent (bacteria or virus) grows out of control within the body’s environment. Physical pain is also an indication that the balance within us has shifted. When we understand that the goal is to restore internal balance the speed at which we heal can be increased by providing the body the space and time (rest and stillness) it needs to restore itself.
The basic rule of thumb is that all internal sensations are temporary. No pain or pleasure lasts forever. They always come and go. Pleasurable sensations and experiences do not last very long for the simple reason that we surrender to it without much thought, examination or consideration. Pleasure rises, peaks and falls away, usually leaving us wanting more.
Usual reactions to pain are to fight with it, to examine it and to try to understand what caused it. What needs to be understood is that the act of considering already existing pain only delays its natural tendency to rise and fall. The length of time you experience pain is determined by the degree to which you attempt to figure out why its there rather than accept it as readily as you do pleasure. The less thought you apply to existing pain the quicker it moves through you. I am sure you know the statement: that which you resist persists.
Here are two pieces of information that I tell my clients when it comes to changing their relationship to pain.
1. The body is HIGHLY adaptable. Evolution has been developing adaptability for millions or more of years. It is deeply ingrained in our DNA and is exceptionally powerful when harnessed! Given enough time and space your body will always find a way.
2. The body does not want to be in pain. It wants to be in balance.
If you examine your body’s reaction to pain you will most likely discover that the muscles of your body brace against it. This tightening or resistance, if not released, will increase the amount of time the pain continues.
When you learn to observe your pain without resistance the quicker your body goes through its natural healing curve. Allowing your pain and letting it flow strengthens your endurance to pain. This is a good trait to have when you face the fact that pain is a part of life. The more you understand how to react to pain without drama the less impact it has upon your life.
Also, pain is a purifier. Believe it or not when you fully experience your pain, it is an opportunity for you to learn more about yourself and connect to yourself in a deep and personal way. As you experience your pain keep in mind that your body is healing and that this too shall pass.
By training yourself to stay calm in the face of pain you deepen your:
- Ability to adapt to difficult circumstances
- Tolerance to pain and stress
- Empathy towards other’s pain
- Respect of pain and the perseverance required to face it
- Appreciation of life
Note: This approach is intended to help you consider the possibility that you can actually do something about your pain. However, if your pain is beyond your ability to manage please seek professional help.
To learn more about how this approach can help with emotional and mental pain please visit my website
Mr. Sheldon Ginsberg President of FitPath Health Services holds a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition, he has obtained advanced certification as a Strength and Conditioning Coach from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he is also a 12th level Reiki Master Teacher. To learn more you can visit www.thefitpath.net or call 305-785-2936.
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