Effortless pain is a process, not an outcome. Paradoxically, it does not come easily. It means giving in to pain, without trying to fight it nor end it. It’s about acceptance: We suffer. End of sentence.
It is a Buddhist teaching, the oldest’ s of many— Dukkha. The acceptance of suffering, although hard at first, when it becomes a practice, it becomes effortless. That is what effortless pain is—- the practice of feeling pain, without resistance.
The first time I committed to effortless pain, I was studying Buddhism philosophy at the university. I fell enamored by the Buddha’s teachings. I am still a Buddhist student. Mindfulness is still a challenge, but the lesson of effortless pain changed my life.
I want to give back what I learned and share from my experience of what it is for me to accept pain in whatever I go through and whatever I do. I am still in this journey and I hope you join me too.
The benefits you ask? The main one is feeling alive. Really, truly living, close to earth—grounded. Bravery. Living with honesty. Better sleep. More authenticity in your relationships.
My only disclaimer: Nothing can be guaranteed and everyone’s journey is different. As journeys vary, so do obstacles for liberation. But it is worth a try.
Who am I? I am a Puerto Rican clinical psychologist, academic, adoptive mother, feminist, Buddhist, atheist, leftist, cisgender, heteroflexible woman on her late 30s. It is from my multiple identities, my personal experience, my academic work and my clinical experience that I speak of. I am biased and it’s OK if you are too (exception will be prejudice, that is not OK) .