Most of our suffering comes from resistance to the pain. When we change the meaning, the pain actually lessens, and we find renewed strength. we can take a deep breath and invite in our conscious minds and ask the question, “Am I truly in danger, or does this pain mean I am growing?” ![]() In moments when pain is present and we find ourselves wanting to retreat or buffer. But how often have we been moving toward something we want and when it becomes uncomfortable, we run back to safety? We are wired to interpret pain signals as warnings that we should go back to the cave and stay there. Our survival brains tell us if it’s hurting, it’s bad, and we should stop. We can either make the pain mean that something is wrong, or we can make it mean that we are doing something right. Leaving behind familiar habits, ending unhealthy relationships, changing jobs, learning a new skill, drawing boundaries with people you love - these things come with pain. I actually began to enjoy the feeling of my legs aching and my lungs burning, knowing I was becoming stronger every second. ![]() With those thoughts, the pain lessened, and I felt invigorated. I consciously chose new thoughts: “The pain means you’re building muscle.” “There is nothing wrong with your body.” “This is exactly how it’s supposed to feel.” I recognized the storm of negative thinking that was turning my pain into suffering. Then I took a deep breath and became conscious of my thoughts. ![]() My thoughts about the pain were making me fearful and discouraged. I was making the pain mean that something was wrong. I started having thoughts like: “What’s wrong with you?” “You’ve lost strength and stamina.” “You’re not in the shape you used to be in.” “You’re deteriorating.” We’ve not been out much this season and it is a short, but very steep, hike to the top. 15, 2020.Ī couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend and I set out to climb Bear Peak. Editor’s note: This column was published originally on Aug.
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