MY BLOGS

Today we will explore on how to experience a pain free moment. Additionally, we will discuss how understanding of your pain assist in your communication about your pain. All of this is covered in Part 2 of our Pain Management Plan, called Mind Work.

Let’s quickly recap last week’s Part 1 of the Pain Management Plan. We discussed on how to get a proper diagnosis by taking control of your own health. And we touched on your first steps getting back into physical exercise. For more information read the blog here.



The ringing of my phone disturbed my focus. Recognizing the caller ID raised the hair at the back of my neck. I don’t have time or energy for this today. How much more can I tolerate? The “how can I help you today” slipped out in a slightly higher-pitched voice than intended. He is one of those “hard-to-love” people, demanding and unreasonable at times. No wonder I re-acted harshly without even giving him a chance to explain his situation.

My thoughts about this person shaped my perception. My perceptions determined my actions towards him. Would I have reacted differently if I kept in mind that he too is created in the image of God? How did COVID affect him and his family? What emotional, social, or political struggles and personal hardships is he facing right now? How different would my response have been if I looked at my colleague through the lens of love and compassion?

Mind Work is focused on how our thinking process influences our lives; how our brain processes pain; and how we could actively engage our minds to assist in managing our pain.

Ancient Scripture tells us in Proverbs 4:23, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (GNT).

Modern psychology’s cognitive behavioral therapy confirms that many behavioral issues are rooted in negative thinking patterns. Treating of behavioral problems start with changing negative thinking.

By changing my thoughts, I can alter my actions and re-actions. This brings me back to our pain. How can you change your thoughts about your pain? How will changing your thoughts assist in managing your pain? How can you actively engage your mind in managing your pain?

Mind Work

1. First understand that Pain is a symptom and not an illness. Pain is an indication of an illness. It could be physical, or emotional and a combination of both. Accepting pain as a symptom and making the paradigm shift from “pain-being-an-invisible-illness-with-no-cure” to “pain-being-a-symptom” of a possible curable sickness, you have won half the battle. That gives hope and a starting point to search for the cause.

There’s much more to understand how our brains and bodies work together. The mind-body connection will be covered in future blog posts. However, understanding your pain will also help up to communicate better about your pain.

2. Do you communicate with your family and friends about your pain? How do you help them better understand your pain? Are you honest about your pain? Or do you tell them that you are “fine” when you’re not?

Start by telling them when you experience pain. Share the severity of the pain. Express your concerns and fears. Speak up about the uncertainty of the pain waves. It’s part of their education process. That’s a start.

3. How could your mind help you to experience a pain free moment? Let’s do a quick two minutes exercise. Sit comfortably, close your eyes and breathe deeply for three times before switching to regular breathing. Now, imagine a moment in your life when you had no pain. Can you think back that far? I know it’s hard to muster up that image. But try a little harder. Think about a fun activity you enjoyed before pain. See yourself playing. Let the joyful emotions of the memory flow through your body. Linger there for a moment. Cultivate the feeling of enjoyment. Yes, there is the sigh of satisfaction.

Do you realize that thinking and visualizing yourself in a happy moment blocked out the pain in your body? Wasn’t that fun? Yes, this is the first step to recovery.

4. Are you in need of a good night’s sleep? Learn new ways of relaxation or how to meditate. Through these coping mechanisms we release pain, stress, fears, and worries. I have come across a free app for meditation and release−it’s called Pause. I have used Pause with great success.

Listen to soothing music. Personally, music is very important to me. The right music calms, inspires and helps me to focus.

Avoid too much screen time or any action-packed movies or TV shows before bed. You don’t have to check your emails or Social Media just before bed. Leave it until early tomorrow.

All of these are good practices to calm your mind. Choose one or two and try it out for the next week. Let me know how it’s going, connect via email.

Thank you for your time today. I would love to hear how your “pain free moment exercise” went. contact page

Next week we will discuss how Emotional hurts influence our bodily strength, the third component of the Pain Management Plan, called Emotional Health.

Please sign up for my email list to receive an alert next week when my new post goes live. I pray for you. Stay strong dear friend.

Anita Beukman

Your Hope Coach.