pain pain pain...

Good Morning,

I have a little update on the Team Reeve "Elliptithon" training.

Unbeknownst to my feet I was planning to return a gallon of milk to the refrigerator last Wednesday...when, I tripped, over-corrected and fell hard into the kitchen counter top. The result: a trip to the doctor and some bruised ribs. (On the pain scale a sneeze is about a 10 the water hitting me in the shower is about a 2). The doctor told me and Web MD confirmed I can expect this type of pain to last for the next 4-6 weeks?

As you can imagine, given my "stubborn" nature this is not going over well. I've had to adjust my training. I'm spending more time on the stationary bike and I've been researching PAIN.

According to my Buddha teacher Gil you're supposed to sit with the pain and get to know it. He says pain is never the same. it's always changing. it's made up of throbbing heat...warmth...then there's a burning...maybe just a tingle.

okay all I've noticed is that it's not a tickle! Buddhism is insufficient treatment in this area.

According to traditional medicine, I can take my Darvocet and monitor things on a pain scale of smiley faces. This just leaves me with a frown.

I've had to make up my own scale.

A's Pain Scale (1=low 10=high)

1- a smile
2- standing in the shower
3- bending over to pick something up
4- breathing
5- running on the elliptical (surprising!!!)
6- walking with my cane or w/o cane
7- doctor's prodding
8- morning muscle spasm
9- mitty's wake up call (OH the kneading)
10- a sneeze!!!!!!

What does seem to be working right now is light exercise and lots of frowning. Even better is allowing my mind to run free while moody and grumpy. (seems to have a curative factor but i can't find it in the Buddhist text).

To illustrate, here's my latest irritation:

older women marching out of the gym locker room with attitude...

Gym etiquette says

"Look the other way when you see people wearing tight and unflattering workout clothes. It might not be a pretty sight, but unless the person with the Spandex camel toe is your best friend or sister, you probably should keep your complaints to yourself. If nudity is involved, you can let a gym employee know, of course."

i can never find an employee.

no really, these days to me this woman is suggesting a level of comfort frankly I believe in public no one should have. I do NOT mean to be rude but there are parts of self i believe best negotiated on an interpersonal level.

it also frustrates me that upon seeing this woman i feel compelled to throw my body around her like a shield. In the world of bodies people can be cruel.

...and all i REALLY want to do is sit on my stationary bike and exercise in peace.

My point? hmm...

Pain is not really a science it's an art. it's kind of like the messy splatter kind. once you understand the chaos it causes you, you don't have to buy it. just live with it.

many healing thoughts to you wherever you hurt.

Happy Monday,

Amanda
*sideline photographer for Westdale High
(Brady Bunch-reference, Greg cracked a rib!)