From Painful to Mindful (S2E7)
A natural human reaction is to avoid that which is unpleasant, especially anything painful. Like so much of mindfulness practice, the most immediate way in which we can find any sort of freedom is by moving toward it. Beware, though, because jumping into feeling pain without first establishing a foundation could alter your relationship to what you’re feeling but not for the better. This meditation invites you to gently lean into pain so that you can eventually establish a new relationship to it.
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Transcript
Bring your attention to the sounds happening around you—inside the room, outside the room, close to you, far from you. Practice being with them just as they are, not naming them or wondering where they’re coming from.
Turn your attention to a part of your body that is not hurting at the moment. Notice any sensations in that area, however subtle the sensations or small the area.
Become aware of a part of your body that is in pain right now. Even if for a very brief moment, try to turn your attention toward it, and then pop back out to the sounds going on around you.
Check-in with what it was like turning toward the pain or discomfort, sensing into what you were able to feel. This is not to be underestimated! You are already on your way to developing a new and healing relationship with your pain, and your mind and body.
If you found it challenging, that is completely normal. The good news is, this is a skill that can be cultivated with patience and kindness. Whenever you feel ready, return to steps 4 and 5; otherwise, continue following the sounds around you.
