Being OK with the pain

"What we resists persists".    You may have heard that saying numerous times in reference to numerous topics, but have you ever thought about it in reference to your pain?   Best example:  When you have a sharp, stabbing pain, or a spasm what do you almost always do?  Hold your breath, tighten your entire body, make everything tense, and sometimes practically have a panic attack.  What's the BEST thing to do in that situation?  Take deep breaths, mentally relax your body, tell yourself it's only pain and talk yourself out of it.  It can be done.  I know because I've done it many, many times.

We've programmed ourselves to think that pain is bad, pain hurts, we should panic.   That's the proper response to acute, sudden onset pain that is new.  God gave us that response to let us know something is wrong and we need to take action quickly.


The opposite is true for chronic pain or the little sharp, stabbing pain or spasms that go along with having had surgery, especially back surgery, or even just having chronic pain without the surgery.   In our minds, we know the difference and we must learn to be discerning/ know the difference and respond accordingly. This is the way we stay out of fight or flight which is harmful to us in so many ways, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually.  The key learn to relax even with the pain.  Get out of the habit of claiming it!  By that I mean "my back hurts so bad I can hardly stand it"  rephrase: "the pain in my back is high now, but it's getting better with each deep breath I take".   Don't panic!   Pain will NOT kill you even though it may feel as though it's going to at times.  It's these times we must be extra diligent in watching our words, thoughts, actions.   Relax.....it's only pain!      Trust me, I know of which I speak!
Peace be with you!