EXERCISES IN DISCOMFORT FOR THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF PAIN: DISCOMFORT AND RELAXATION
In order to condition our mind to be less disturbed by pain, we are deliberately going to expose ourselves to some degree of discomfort; at the same time we shall keep our mind calm and relaxed so that the discomfort simply does not disturb us. And because it does not disturb us, we do not really perceive it as discomfort at all.
You suffer from pain. And I suggest to you that you expose yourself to further discomfort. I can see your reaction. “No, I have enough suffering. I don’t want any more. I could not bear any more.” This reaction is understandable. But just remember two things. You will not experience any feeling of discomfort; you will merely place yourself in a situation which under ordinary circumstances would be uncomfortable, but because of your relaxed state of mind, you do not feel as uncomfortable. And, secondly, remember that this is an important step in the
self-management of pain, just as exposure to the phobic situation was in the relief of phobic anxiety.
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