Pain can be an interesting teacher; it can seem like a random, unfair kick in the butt, or an unexpected opportunity for healing. Recently, I bent over to pick something up and strained my back. How could this happen, especially right now when it is so inconvenient? What does it mean?
But is the meaning really what is significant, or is it really just about what we do with it. Do we take it as an opportunity to look at how we have been caring for ourselves; how much stress we are under, how we are eating and resting and moving and thinking? Do we take the time to listen to our bodies and hear what our deepest needs are?
The concept for my guided imagery meditation mp3 Pain and Healing came out of a workshop I taught many years ago. In it, we used guided imagery meditation to explore deeply listening to our bodies and to ask them these questions: what do you need from me, what do you have to teach me and what do I need from you? What can I do to sustain and heal my body, and what does my body offer me as wisdom and support.
When I gave myself the quiet space to ask, I heard how much I have been pushing myself of late, how little I have been supporting my body and how much I have been expecting of it. And no, my back did not instantly feel better! But I felt a sense of peace with the process, and I suddenly understood some of the choices I had been making. By not giving my body the rest and attention it needed during a stressful time, it needed to make me take that time. Understanding that, I was able to slow down, cancel a few clients, get a massage and focus on sending love, appreciation and gratitude to my remarkable body and it’s amazing wisdom. And also an apology for needing a ‘kick in the butt’ to get it! It still hurts sometimes, it’s still healing. I am committed to letting it take all the time it needs, regardless of my busy agenda, trusting it’s ability to heal. It seems the least I can do…
I invite you to explore pain and healing through this lens, from a place of deep listening and respect and trust. Our relationships with our bodies are a two way street, a give and take, and this kind of work gives you the opportunity to forge a new kind of connection with your body through guided imagery meditation.
Thank you Dr. Robin!
The Pain and Healing CD is one of my favorites. I listen to it every day. Each time I hear something different, something that was meant for me on that day. One of the wonderful things about this CD is that you can use it with a variety of perspectives: sometimes I am “listening” to my body to reveal and heal psycho-emotional pains; sometimes I am dealing with the physical pain of a compression fracture in my spine; sometimes I am checking the energy throughout my body to make sure that I am not harboring a “pain” that would cause cancer to return. Having this CD is like having a private appointment with Dr. Robin – going through a therapy session with a skilled therapist. I highly recommend the Pain and Healing CD to anyone suffering from physical, emotional or mental traumas, or those wishing to heal their past.
Thank you Jeannie!
I always write my guided imagery meditations to be as open as possible, so that you can use them in whatever way meets your individual needs. I am so glad to hear that Pain and Healing works for you that way. Our minds can be so endlessly creative if we allow the space. And you are so right that our needs change every day. I think the key to healing is being present with where we are each moment and what we need. Healing is not a one size fits all process, it is a deeply individual, personal and fluid experience.