I read about this concept in the book ‘The Power of Now’ by Echart Tolle. It is a wonderful read, with great truth in every sentence.
What is the Emotional Pain-body?
According to the author, every emotional pain that we experience leaves behind a sort of residue that lives on in us. When this pain merges with the pain from our past, it creates a negative energy field that occupies our mind and body. He calls it the emotional pain-body.
The pain-body can take the form of irritation, a desire to hurt, anger, rage, depression, need to create drama in a relationship, and many other emotions.
The author rightly says that pain can only feed pain. This means that once the pain-body has taken over you, you end up wanting to inflict pain or wanting to suffer more, or both.
None of us would ever admit that we want pain, but we keep thinking and behaving in such a way that the pain lives on.
How can we break free from the pain-body?
Mindfulness or presence. It can be achieved only by observing the pain-body directly. Once this is done, the mind-identification with the pain-body is broken. This frees a person and helps him/her access the power of Now.
We should not judge the pain-body, as judging it would create inner conflict and this would lead to further pain. Instead, we should only watch it and accept it as part of what exists at the present moment.
As Echart Tolle wisely puts it, “The single most vital step on your journey toward enlightenment is this : learn to disidentify from your mind.”
Thank you for reading! Stay blessed!
©TheKindTempest