An Exploration of Chronic Pain
Schedule/
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific
When we’re in pain we naturally conclude that there’s a physical cause. Maybe we believe it’s inflammation or scar tissue or arthritis. Maybe we think it is a disc problem or a nerve issue or a curved spine. Maybe we suspect it's poor posture or muscle weakness or a vitamin deficiency. Regardless of the specifics at the core level, all chronic pain patients have the same fear. There has to be something going on in my body causing this. And when the brain believes the body is damaged, it responds with pain. When you embrace a different belief---that the pain is due to your brain making a mistake and that your body is fine—then the fear goes away. And soon after the pain fades.
– Alan Gordon
The Way Out, written by Alan Gordon, is essentially an Awareness Practice approach to dealing with chronic pain.
Of course, everyone could just read the book. But as awareness practitioners, we know from experience that a conceptual understanding doesn’t get us very far, especially when the problem, pain in this case, is “in the brain.” Over the course of six weeks, we will be guided to apply the concepts articulated in this book to our particular situation and practice the therapeutic process recommended with the help of R/L, guided imageries, and other Awareness Practice tools. Since we will be processing the exercises in the company of Sangha, we are guaranteed a fun and inspiring time.
This retreat is offered free of charge but registration is required.