Mind over Matter and the Perception of PAIN

Jun 27, 2023 by Tamara Cianfini

Shifting the Spotlight: How Focus Dictates Pain Perception.

The power of focus during high-stakes moments - whether you're about to birth a baby or playing in a cup final match - is monumental. This is because what we choose to concentrate on can significantly influence our experience of pain and it's intensity.

Consider the moment when an expecting mother walks into the birthing room. The room may be filled with an air of anticipation, an undercurrent of anxiety perhaps, causing worry and discomfort.

But what if mum to be shifts her focus? Instead of dwelling on the intense sensations of labour, she centres her attention on the waves of strength coursing through her body, the rhythmic pattern of her breath, or the empowering realisation that each contraction brings her closer to meeting her baby.

She knows she's well-prepared and educated. In this way, she controls her experience, reframing pain as power, discomfort as progress.

Now let's take a football player in a cup final match. The pressure is palpable, the crowd's roars are deafening, and every tackle or misstep might echo in the form of physical pain. But the player chooses to redirect his focus. Instead of zeroing in on the potential for pain, he hones in on the ball, the strategy, the synchronised movement of his teammates, and the singular goal of winning the game.

His mind is so absorbed in the challenge and thrill of the game that pain is pushed to the background. It becomes secondary to the adrenaline rush, the pleasure of the game, and the pursuit of victory.

In both scenarios, it's the same fundamental principle at work: your attention helps shape your perception of pain. By deliberately directing focus, the expecting mother and the football player seize control of their narratives, transforming potential pain into a testament of strength and resilience.

Discover the Power of Focus: A Compelling Video Illustration from the World of Gymnastics.

For years, I've been sharing this inspiring YouTube video with countless parents. It beautifully captures the strength of focus, the resolve of determination, and the unparalleled power of the human mind, even when faced with physical discomfort. Witness how gymnast Kerri Strug, despite enduring a sprained ankle, channels her pain and triumphantly clinches gold. Prepare to be captivated and motivated:

In a hypnobirth, we aren't merely surviving through the pain, we are consciously participating in and steering the journey. This isn't just about enduring, it's about embracing - a fundamental shift in perspective.

This mental shift isn't elusive; it's a game within everyone's reach. Regularly engaging with pregnancy relaxation sessions equips you with the ability to refocus your energy when the time comes to welcome your baby into the world.

Remember, pain is personal and subjective - and the immense power of the mind should never be underestimated.

Know your worth, Hypnobirth

Tamara x