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I thought I would start this topic and see what others have learned about it. I am currently taking an Advanced Pain Management class where the main focus is on "mindfulness" or bringing your thoughts to the present moment. The article they passed out if from Kabat-Zinn's "Full Catastrophe Living". Basically what the reading states is that pain is a natural part of the experience of life. There are many responses to pain, one of which is suffering. This doesn't mean that suffering has to be the response though. One of the things this book talks about is that the "pain is not you". This is hard for me to wrap my mind around, as I feel like the pain has attached itself to me...it has it's own personality and sometimes I feel as it is identifying me! Anyway, they are teaching that thru the art of mindfulness pain can be reduced by bringing your attention directly to the sensation and trying to recognize the "chitter chatter" in your head. The "chitter chatter" may be negative thoughts &/or feelings that you have toward the pain such as "I hate it", "I want it to go away". One of the processes they use to focus the mind on the present moment is by using the body scan meditation. By non-judgmentally focusing on each part of the body one at a time, you can begin to be aware of your body's sensations & the feelings/emotions that go along with it. They repeatedly suggest non-judgmentally bringing your attention back to the body part and away from the thoughts that run thru your head. I must say this is easier said than done...it takes me great focus to listen to the cd & get my thoughts to calm down, especially when I am in pain. One of the points that is talked about is instead of labeling yourself as a "chronic pain patient", remind yourself that you are a whole person who happens to have to face chronic pain condition intelligently. (I like that!) The work of mindfulness is not meant to be a battle between you and the pain. They also talk about not being able to "let go" of the negative thinking regarding the sensations until you realize that it is your thinking that is labeling the sensations as "bad". Here they point out that it isn't YOU that is labeling the pain as bad, but rather your emotions or thinking. They suggest that as you tune into a sense of being complete in the present moment without having to resolve your problems or habits that you can begin to identify with yourself as a whole person, one that is "pure". It is thru this stillness that you may come to realize that you are not your body even though it is yours to work with, take care of & make use of. If you are not your body, then you can't be your body's pain. They further suggest that by continuing the art of mindfulness will help you develop a new relationship with the pain by coming to terms with it, making room for it and living with it. I must say that all of this is hard for to wrap my mind around. I have a hard time understanding that the pain is not me. I guess that I need to adjust my attitude.  I am very new to this whole mindfulness thing so I wanted to throw it out there for others to take a look at & give input. I just hope it makes sense...feeling a bit foggy today. |
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