Can recurring physical pain be accepted?

Can recurring physical pain be accepted?

Dear Rupert, 

There seems to remain a blockage in my understanding because I regularly suffer physical pain. The more pain, the harder it gets not to identify with the body. The pain is something I urgently want to get rid of when it appears. Is it possible to take pain for granted in the same way other bodily sensations and thoughts can be taken for granted when they appear?

Johan

 

Dear Johan,

The desire to be relieved of pain is not a sign of ignorance; it is deeply programmed into the body. If pain were not unpleasant, there would be no motivation to avoid it and, as a result, it would no longer serve its primary function of protecting the body. 

So use intelligence to minimise the pain in whatever way is most appropriate, but see, as best you can, that all sensations appear in your open, allowing presence. If pain is overwhelming, we have no option but to be overwhelmed, but hopefully such periods are not too long. 

The rest of the time, abide knowingly as your self, awareness, and allow all things, including uncomfortable bodily sensations, to flow through you. 

With warm regards,
Rupert

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