The Sketchbook Project p. 12-13.
Today I realized (again, seems it takes awhile to learn) that instead of focusing on my pain, it would be more beneficial to focus on what feels good. What you pay attention to will grow, so it’s time for me to feel the warmth of a heating pack, sense the relaxation of my muscles as I lie down, feel the joy as I hear my son laugh and see my daughters dance around the room. This is a struggle sometimes, as the pain tries to pull me inward and pushes me to focus on it. I don’t want it to be a fight, but rather, a gentle shifting of attention, like sensing my breath instead of listening to my meandering thoughts while I’m meditating. It might be time for another look at Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn. That book rocks.
Drawn From the Fire 
I do love this post. Focus on the pleasure, not the pain. This has been a week of dealing with the pain suffered by a number of my friends. I feel this way of looking at life is much more productive than letting the pain take over.
Thanks for this. A great lesson.
xoxo
Ma
“a gentle shifting of attention.” I like that.
It is hard, isn’t it–to come back to the breath.
Thanks for the reminder.