Sometimes I think anticipation of pain is far worse than the pain itself. That’s not to diminish the reality of pain, but it’s a fact that we’ve all got to deal with it so why not find a way to be with it? It goes against the grain, but Buddhists have traditionally seen in pain an opportunity for practice. (Granted, this was before the Fentanyl patch.)
Not for everyone, but for those it does work for, it makes plenty of good sense.
Try it next time you’ve got a toothache on the weekend.
Read Upasika Kee Nanayon’s “Tough Teachings to Ease the Mind” here.