I was just pondering the practice of mindfulness when "now" is unpleasant or uncomfortable. While it is important to be present, observe our discomfort, and make adjustments if possible, what do we do when the present is still painful? Here, I believe that the field of somatic experiencing has something to teach us.
Somatic experiencing (SE) is a type of body work that is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of psychotherapy. Although formal training is essential in order to develop the competence to provide SE, one does not have to be a psychotherapist to receive that training; it is also open to nurses, body workers and a host of other helping professionals.
In SE, one is encouraged to identify resources, and apply those resources to discomfort in the moment. For example, if you have back pain, focus on an area of your body that feels good. Perhaps your calves feel relaxed and grounded, planted on the floor. Focus on the positive feeling. In imagination, take that relaxed, grounded feeling in your calves, and apply it to your back. Let your back receive healing from the stronger parts of you.
If you are experiencing an unpleasant mood, think back to some wonderful memory; one that only has positive associations and does not pain you to think about. Let's say that you remember a wonderful camping trip you took. Further refine the memory by picking one moment from the trip. The day you hiked to a waterfall and experienced the exhilaration of the pounding water. You felt completely at peace. Take that feeling, that memory, and let it become Now. Remember it in detail. Allow yourself to be exhilarated again. You aren't denying your present difficulties, you are simply introducing a Resource into the mix that you can draw positive energy from.
What do you currently feel that could benefit from a Resource? I'm exhausted after waking up too early; so I plan to lie in bed for at least a few minutes and Resource! :)
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