The Pain Gap

Summary

The text discusses the psychological concept of the "pain gap," the period between the present and an anticipated future where pain is experienced or anticipated.

Abstract

The "Pain Gap" is a concept that refers to the emotional and psychological space where individuals experience pain in anticipation of a future event. This gap can be related to either excitement or anxiety about what is to come. The text suggests that this anticipation creates a temporal divide where pain resides, and it is within this gap that one can choose to either prepare to confront or escape the anticipated scenario. However, the author proposes that instead of avoiding the pain or thinking from the pain, which leads to further anticipation, one should be interested in the pain itself. The text implies that the act of avoiding pain through various means, such as planning or distraction, perpetuates a cycle of pain. It questions whether the pain experienced is truly ours to feel or if it is the result of not fully engaging with past pain. The author hints at the possibility that unaddressed pain might be the driving force behind the gap of anticipation, causing unease in the present moment.

Opinions

The author believes that pain is a signal meant to awaken us, suggesting that it should be acknowledged and carried rather than avoided.
There is an emphasis on the idea that pain is an inherent part of the human experience and should be felt fully in the present.
The text posits that our responses to pain, such as preparation for future scenarios, are often attempts to escape the present discomfort.
The concept of the pain gap is linked to the broader philosophical and therapeutic ideas, such as those found in Gestalt Therapy, which advocate for being fully present and engaged with one's experiences.
The author suggests that the continuous cycle of anticipating and avoiding pain prevents us from living fully in the here and now.

The gap between ‘this’ and ‘then’ where pain resides

creating psychological gaps a possible anticipation be it an exciting future scenario or an anxious future scenario that anticipation gives rise to a gap a gap before which my anticipation comes true that gap of pain a gap between this and a possible then a gap which I could open up to see what’s happening what’s going on within before I fasten up or postpone by getting my tools ready to fight or my tools to flee but instead, be interested in that very pain? any movement is avoiding the pain any thinking from that pain is going to be further anticipations (loop — loop) the pain that comes back again and again legitimately mine to be felt? or perhaps it is the unfelt pain that is creating this gap of anticipation keeping me not at ease in the present

“Pain is meant to wake us up… Pain is something to be carried around, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It all depends on how you carry it.” — Fritz Perls, Gestalt Therapy

The Pain Gap

The gap between ‘this’ and ‘then’ where pain resides

Here And Now

Depending on nothing to be here and now