Why being pain free isn't the goal
No one wants to be 'pain free'.
That's a bold thing to say. I'm already thinking of reasons of why I shouldn't say it. But, I believe it's true.
I believe what we really want is to be 'limit free'.
That's a bit different, don't you think?
Pain is compelling and can become consuming. It doesn't have to be a big pain either. Subtle, nagging aches can be distracting and can overshadow a perfectly good day.
Think about it for a moment. Is it really just being pain-free that you want? What can't you do right now that you would like to be able to do?
Sometimes, in the din of discomfort what we want gets overlooked.
Let's put away the binoculars and get out the magnifying glass.
I've never considered myself a "goal-oriented" person. I often enjoy the process of something more than the actual outcome. But in the process there are often incremental successes.
Let's call them benchmarks.
A benchmark is a measurement that helps you to recognize how you're doing in relation to a goal.
The body is designed to be pain free. As your body gets more functional, pain diminishes. We often don't notice when discomfort disappears.
What are some achievements that will let you know that positive changes are occurring?
Pick a few small benchmarks that may even seem trivial. I do mean small. I do mean trivial. Those are your signs of change.
Instead of keeping track of pain, how about noticing what new activities you are able to engage in?
Are you able to bend over to tie a shoe or lift a bag of groceries without worrying about your back? Can you walk downhill without your knees hurting? Do you sit more comfortably for longer periods of time?
Benchmarks aren't always activities. They can be feeling states.
Are you aware of novel body sensations such as feeling lighter or taller?
Or, do you feel nothing?
That's what good alignment feels like. Nothing.
I'm not talking about being disconnected from your body. It's more like feeling light as a feather.
Make a list of the small stuff. These are the benchmarks that let you know you are making progress. Give yourself a break and find a benchmark to sit on for a while.
Wishing you good health,
Kaiopa Stage
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