In a lot of pain this morning. Stiff and sore and not feeling like moving at all. But I’ve got to.
Woke up too early again. Lay in bed, writing in my journal, then was able to get back to sleep for another hour. I’ve got a lot of things I have to do today — fortunately, most of them before this evening. So, I can have my nap after I’m done with them, and get some more rest.
I’m noticing something interesting — even though I’m in pain when I am still and not moving, when I am moving around, I don’t feel the pain. So, am I actually in pain? I don’t know. If I stop and think about it, I am in pain. If I’m not thinking about it, I’m not.
So, if I just keep busy and don’t focus on the pain, that can help me get on with my life. Even if I’m still uncomfortable when I slow down.
Of course, I have to be careful that I don’t overdo it, and that I don’t hurt myself by trying to distract myself from the discomfort. I need to pay attention to what’s going on in my life, and what’s going on with my body, so I can manage it. I can’t afford to get so wrapped up in what I’m doing, that I do more harm to myself.
But the day is waiting. I’ve taken care of a few things already. Now it’s time to get on with the rest of it.
Addendum on October 23 — from http://brainblogger.com/2011/10/23/pain-is-no-matter-for-the-meditative-mind/:
Marcus Aurelius sums it up nicely,
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
Broken Brain - Brilliant Mind 