18-Mar-2010

Re-Purposing Pain

Growth from Injury

The Buddha said it first: everybody hurts. But he also went a step further, saying the source of suffering is desire. The relationship is easier to understand when it comes to the soul, but what about direct, physical pain? When injured so many attendant emotions arise: the urge to blame, self-criticism and feelings of helplessness. These sentiments are over-reactions, usually stemming from the real question such incidents evoke, namely “Why me?

Meditation helps provide the answer. Whether you have a specific old injury or not, sit quietly and just be with the body’s habitual discomforts. Focus on the troubled areas and breathe deeply. Take yourself back, getting into your state of mind just before the injury. Then, ask yourself why--and listen. Allow the strands from your life and desires before the injury to connect to its impact, noticing the changes in your routine and locomotion. Keep your attention on the “why” and lessons will come pouring forth like warm, healing water. Breathe deeply, soak it in and observe. Through awareness, and openness to the lessons the body persistently offers, you will be empowered to overcome any misfortune.

Recommended: When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times