Question:     You get what you think about. I think about pain all the time. How can I think of something else when I hurt like this?

Higgins:     Distraction is the key. When your mind is completely occupied upon some other topic the pain disappears. To do this you must get your body comfortable first.

We talked with you the other day about the healing properties of water. If you can get yourself into warm water on a regular basis, that will help make you comfortable. If you cannot, there are other options. Warmth is the next best option.

Keep the painful area warm. This increases blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow is a metaphor for increasing energetic flow. Pain is a metaphor for blocked energy. (This is why we recommend yoga…stretching increases energetic flow. Yes, we know yoga is not a possibility for you right now.)

Keeping warm means keep your body warm and the painful area extra warm. You may benefit by keeping your home warmer and applying heat to the area often.

We have followed your progress for some time and you have applied our teachings extremely well. However, you will not be able to cure this on your own without some kind of medical help. We encourage you to pursue whatever help they can be expeditiously and with diligence. (Even His Holiness the Dalai Lama seeks medical care on a regular basis and follows their instructions and His Holiness has practiced wisdom teachings similar to ours for nearly his entire lifetime.)

In a nutshell: Keep it warm, use what medications you have access to, distract yourself with books, television, music, meditation, conversation, etc… and seek medical help swiftly and with persistence.

Received December 24, 2016