I’ve noticed a lot of conversation lately around the mind-body connection—specifically how it plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain. I’m really glad that this is being talked about because it’s true. Unfortunately, it is often presented in a way that is overly simplistic, which can easily lead to misunderstandings. To clear up the confusion, let’s explore what the mind-body connection truly means and, more importantly, what it means for living with chronic pain.

I know suppressing my thoughts and feelings doesn’t work, but what should I do about them? This is something I hear often from the people I work with. 

We talked in the last post about mindfulness and the concept of learning to be present in the moment without judgment. Inevitably, when we begin, or rebegin, a mindfulness practice this question comes up: I’m practicing being non-judgmental and bringing my attention back to the moment, but those sticky thoughts and feelings keep coming up.

Don’t worry. You’re not doing anything wrong. Mindfulness isn’t supposed to make difficult thoughts and feelings disappear. In fact, noticing that they keep showing up is part of the practice.

You can’t let go of that sticky thought, and your feelings are so overwhelming that it feels like you want to crawl out of your skin. We previously discussed how trying to control these thoughts and feelings usually leads to even more discomfort. So if controlling your thoughts and feelings isn’t the answer, what is?

The simple answer is to live mindfully. Mindfulness is everywhere these days–in many different apps, youtube videos, and even TikToks. But what does it actually mean?

Did I lock the car? What else did I need to get done before leaving work? Our minds are constantly going. Sometimes we're quite aware of how much our mind won’t shut up, but other times we don’t realize what we’re telling ourselves, leading to an unexpected frenzy.

When I start therapy with someone, usually one of the first homework assignments I give is tracking their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Often, people are surprised to find out how many thoughts race through their mind during the day and how deeply these thoughts affect them.

It happens all the time. 

You’re anxious about finishing a project at work while everyone around you seems to be effortlessly productive. You’re scared to speak to loved ones about your needs even though they seem to have no problem letting you know their needs. 

And all these instances lead you to question: Is there something wrong with me? Should I really be feeling this way?