Plane Crash Survivor & Meditation Teacher Shares the Power of Meditation to Overcome Pain
“I was stuck. I was in the fire, not surrounded by fire, but in it and I was burning.”
It was Christmas Day of 2012 when Allan Lokos found himself caught in a burning plane…
A pilot error resulted in a crash landing that turned a beautiful day into a terrifying experience. Allan, his wife Susanna, and 71 other passengers were aboard that day. An experience that could have brought a lifetime of fear instead became a teacher of humanity’s resilience. Allan suffered burns so severe; doctors told Susanna that he would never survive. And yet, he not only survived, but also continues thriving. Allan now shares how being present with pain can be life changing and life saving.
How Can We Thrive in the Midst of Pain and Uncertainty?
Have you ever wondered how some can move through deep pain and suffering, coming out with greater love and compassion, while others struggle under the weight?
Allan has shared some amazing and time-tested keys to help us all move through the physical and emotional pains of life…
1) Practice Mindfulness
Coming through pain begins with the courage to not bypass the “bare experience,” the ability to stay present in the moment and feel through it. Avoiding what Allan calls the “add-on.” You have a thought that starts a story of worry, what could happen, and it goes on and on. Instead, with the practice of meditation, “we learn to just be with that bare experience.” If an add-on arises, that is ok, but at least we are aware of it.
2) Insight Meditation
Attraction and Aversion are both necessary, but clinging to them prolongs suffering. Becoming aware of the core reason for your suffering brings enlightenment. Let go of the need to immediately end the pain. Stay with it.
3) Explore the Nature of Pain
Know the true nature of pain. “Pain is a series of unpleasant sensations.” Rather than immediately being caught up in the pain, we can explore the sensations that the body is experiencing, clear the panic, and look carefully at the movement. Inquiry and curiosity changes our relationship with pain. Not denial- Awareness.
The pain may ease, it may not, but we’re there rather than avoiding.
Moving through pain begins with mindfulness, awareness, and exploration.
You Can Listen in as Allan shares his miraculous story from tragedy to recovery here:
http://www1.play.it/audio/change-maker-with-zhena-muzyka/plane-crash-survivor-and-meditation-teacher-allan-lokos/
Be sure to share this inspiring story of resilience, love and insight with those who may need it now.
Has a painful experience deepened your level of awareness and compassion? I would love to hear about it in the comments.
