Fear

There is an emotion characterised by dread, one that I have heavily experienced on my pain journey. Fear has caused me anxiety that has been difficult to shake at times.

If you are newly diagnosed it is hard to sink in that CPS is a disorder that is going to affect you for the rest of your life. In most cases our symptoms worsen over time and this knowledge alone can be the instigator of fear.

When we experience a trauma (like a chronic pain diagnosis) something metaphysical happens. The electrical force of resentment enters and we begin to lose our natural discernment. Instead of seeing with clarity our vision becomes clouded with judgment and fear. We lose our way in life. And until freed from the anger and fear that pierced us we will continue to suffer, long after the event that tipped us off balance. Pain creates all sorts of emotional issues and internal conflicts.

Image Credit: ©Kelsey Rein

As we are all aware, stress elevates our pain levels. Fear around future events that may or may not happen can cause pain to flare up. Fear is a damaging and corroding thread that steals everything worthwhile in life. And it was an emotion that was eating me alive. More-so in the early days of CPS.

The solution to staying out of fear around the future and resenting the past lies in mindfulness and living in the present moment. I had to let go of my negative emotions and begin to live in the light.

I know the physical symptoms of anxiety and fear all too well. At 16 I began losing my hair and suffered from digestive problems. I went on to develop serious mental health disorders that changed the path of my life for the worst.

But the good news is that there is hope that can outweigh the negativity of living with chronic pain. I guess I am a one trick pony when it comes to dealing with emotional problems. Meditation - as I often share about, is a way to replace fear with faith. By separating from thoughts we cut the ties to the emotions that can drive us into the abyss of negativity.

Just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night can be enough to begin experiencing freedom from fear. All it takes is a commitment to practicing conscious awareness. A way to deal with life from a new perspective awaits anyone who is willing to dedicate their life to living in the present moment.

I can honestly say that my pain has reduced because of the meditation I practice. With lower stress levels and a calmer approach to life I have less flare ups. Meditation isn't a golden ticket to freedom from CPS but it can be a first line defence against the monster. I will leave a link to the meditation I practice, and if you are struggling with fear, you may also benefit as I have.

https://schwarzhoffmedia.com/non-contemplative-meditation/

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