My body is in a state of pain.  I overdid or overstretched this past weekend while rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park.  My spirit knew no bounds as I hiked, scrambled around rocks and boulders and clung to stone with my fingertips.  And now, my body is in pain.

A pulled muscle in my back revealed itself on Monday.  Tuesday, the muscle began to spasm, causing my vocal cords to cry out in agony.  My body is in pain, but I am at peace.

I’ve spent the last several days moving arms and legs as slow as a Tai Chi master.  Lifting one foot, moving one arm, turning ever so slowly, placing weight on my feet, letting my thighs tighten until my torso balanced in an upright position.  The doctor gave me medication for the pain.  The drugs dull my senses and allow me to sleep.

But an amazing awareness has come over me.  Being present, my body is not in pain.  Yes, occasionally I experience a sharp knife jabbing my back, but the pain is not consent.  I am observing the pain as it comes and goes.

I am not my body.  I am not my emotions.  I am the observer.