The energy of thought, both cons
cious and unconscious is at times incomprehensible. They are many ways people have tried to define it: mind over matter; the power of positive thinking; the secret, etc. I have appreciated the Buddhist view: where attention goes, energy goes. As I have become more interested and involved with understanding chronic pain I am more humbled by the energy and ability of the mind to change physicality. Noticing were attention goes does give us some insight into what is so mysterious but it still isn’t the whole picture.
Our unconscious minds are out to protect us, to keep us safe from the wild world, they care not for deadlines, social niceties’, empathy for loved ones, career climbing or even doing good deeds for those who are in need. Our unconscious minds are childlike in their desires, to feel good, to be safe, to be happy, to have enough for me, for me, for me.
When this clashes with our conscious needs all too often the body pays the price. And then our conscious minds are boggled; what did I do wrong? How can I get better? These questions torment us, sometimes we feel relief when a medical professional gives us a diagnosis, chronic fatigue, degenerative discs, carpal tunnel syndrome etc. Some of these diagnosis have no medical cure, just coping skills and others may have medical interventions that impact the condition, positively or negatively.
This being human in a body is so complex, wonderful at times and devastating at other times. Simply knowing that the mind is fully and completely manifested through the body is the empowering first step. Bummer is we often experience the second step as; it’s my fault! I’m doing it wrong! I invite you to come to step three, self-compassion. With its no hurry approach, self-compassion allows you the mind space to begin curiosity, openness, acceptance, and love. (COAL is Dan Siegel’s acronym to keep this in mind). Curiosity, openness, acceptance and love, all elements that can lead to action, from action to healing. When it comes to healing, surprisingly the action is often stillness.
