The Healing Power of Connecting with Our Body
The first week after my fourth surgery to repair my broken humerus, I experienced intense physical pain (I’m talking 7–8 on a scale of 1–10). Despite my pain, I have been pleased to discover that the ordeal of surgery and its aftermath has not affected my good spirits. This is a far cry from my reactions after my previous surgeries, and I’m grateful.
I attribute this difference to all the healing work, Buddhist practices, and everything I have learned in the last nineteen months since my traumatic fall, as well as the loving and compassionate support of my husband, family, friends, and of course, my cat, Alison, now purring on my lap. Interconnectedness in all of its manifestations is key to my healing. This includes being connected to my body, rather than trying to escape it (with the help of medicine as necessary).
Creating Stronger Connections
To strengthen my connection to my own body—especially when I’m jolted by a moment of intense stabbing pain—I am learning to turn my attention to other felt senses. I don’t resist the pain. I feel it and then turn my attention to another bodily sensation.
For example, as I eat an apple, I focus on its deliciousness (a taste sensation) and feel gratitude (an emotional sensation) for all that it took for that fruit to get to my plate. I am filled with wonder as I think that the apple that is giving me such pleasure grew on a tree that started as a simple seed. That seed was planted by a farmer and flourished because of the contributions of water, sun, and soil. I imagine that mature tree in a grove on a farm here in the Pacific Northwest. I can smell the apples as the workers harvested them; I can see their beauty as the farmer brought them to market. I marvel that somehow a small seed made its way to me as a delicious crisp apple. What a joy!
When I focus elsewhere, my physical pain remains, but only as a background hum. It is no longer in the forefront of my awareness. Even more important, my body tells me that there is ultimately no difference between sensations of pain and sensations of joy, between suffering and bliss. It’s a question of staying present. Each experience, each sensation—whether pleasant or unpleasant—happens in the present moment, moment to moment. Let it come. Take a breath. Feel it. Let it go.
Contemplative Exercise
- When you have an experience of intense physical or emotional pain, turn your attention to your body.
- Choose one felt sense (sight, smell, sound, taste, touch) to focus on.
- Put your awareness and attention on the chosen felt sense. Let it come, feel it, and let it go.
Beth Patterson is a psychotherapist specializing in grief, loss and life transitions. In her work, Beth relies on Buddhist psychology, mindfulness based cognitive therapy and body-centered therapies. Her articles and ebook are available at www.bethspatterson.com. Beth is a longtime Buddhist practitioner and a student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
