What is your biggest 'Teacher'?

We all have our ‘weak spots’ and for me this is migraines. Over the last couple of years, I’ve begun to use simple mindfulness techniques to help me stay present and more importantly get less caught up in the story of my pain when it’s happening. As a consequence I have been able to take some of the distress out of my experience. Of course not all of the suffering has gone; the pain and discomfort is still very real but by learning to direct my thoughts towards acceptance, self-compassion and sitting with the pain in my body, (rather than desperately fixating on the narrative and emotional rollercoaster of “why is this happening to me, when will it end, I don’t want to feel like this" etc), I have freed myself from a great deal of added emotional suffering.

We all have our story . . . are you mindful of what yours is?

The one thing I noticed as well is that when my migraine was over, the sense of relief at being well and the appreciation for how it feels to be healthy (without pain in the body) was so profound that I found myself experiencing enormous joy at simply feeling well!

We live in a world where we only want the highs, the good, the positive, but I wonder if we really know or value what that feels like without experiencing the other end of the spectrum. Personally, I find it very interesting to reflect if without the regular and debilitating contrast of pain (in whatever guise than comes), would I have such an appreciation for my own well being and enjoy the sheer pleasure and luxury of feeling well.

I not only feel happier now, but I value my body so much more each day, and consider what physical and emotional food I give it with more awareness..

As many great spiritual teachers have said time and time again, our suffering and our pain are our greatest teacher. I am not saying suffering or pain is required for growth. However, we can certainly choose to find the power and blessings in it as we navigate it.

I hope one day we can cultivate more of a natural appreciation, gratitude and joy for what we have moment to moment, especially the amazing luxury of good health. Perhaps when we start to do this we will spend less time working with the contrasts and more time in balance and harmony.