Pain Without Suffering

Whether it is from physical injuries, emotional hurt, or aging, pain is always our companion.  Pain is always there in some form or another. It is part of the human condition to feel pain, and it is that same condition that drives us to prevent and eliminate it. As we get older, our ability to handle physical pain increases; in many cases, we learn to live with heartache, backache, or knee pain. As we grow older and, hopefully, evolve emotionally and spiritually, we come to realize that pain is inevitable. With more experience, we are able to see past immediate pain and look toward the horizon, allowing us to envision a future where what hurts now becomes a distant memory.

Our mat is a great place to remind ourselves that while pain and discomfort are inevitable, suffering is optional. As we move through our asana practice, there are moments when we feel pain, discomfort, and exhaustion. In these moments, our minds can begin to focus on and fixate on the suffering that arises from this discomfort. When we encounter such moments, we have the opportunity to recognize that the suffering we feel is temporary. It may last only a few moments, a few breaths; eventually, we will come out of that difficult asana, and the class itself will come to an end.

Today, as you practice on your mat, notice if these moments arise. Observe where your thoughts go, and see if you can remind yourself that any suffering you feel is temporary. Suffering is fleeting.