I was curious when the HMSA and EDS UK shared a call out for participants in a study to evaluate the effect of mindfulness meditation on pain. I met the criteria and passed the initial survey with my willingness to commit to listening to a six minute mp3 recording, one to three times every day for 2 weeks. Emails soon followed introducing mindfulness practice as focussing on the present in an open and accepting way. Clear easy instructions, a simple mp3 recording with a lovely voice (if a little quiet), check-ins and feedback requests that made me feel a valued participant. I experimented with different times of day, trying to fit it into daily life already busy with self-management. For me, I found listening to the guided mindfulness meditation most helpful when transitioning between morning brain activity doing life admin, to more physical activities, making it easier to implement pacing and other pain management techniques that can prevent things worsening. Again, later in the day to rest and relax, getting comfy is always a challenge, but with multiple plays of the mp3 and deep relaxation I was able to relocate a stubbornly subluxed shoulder! My interoception, sensing pain before it becomes intense, is not great. Becoming more aware of thoughts, feelings and sensations, bringing attention to my whole body with mindfulness has been a challenging and useful skill. I have learnt to weave moments of breathing and grounding myself in the present all through the day. Checking in with my body, calming my thoughts, emotions and possibly my perception of pain.
Karen Merryweather