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Health

Home > = Health

Sunday June 15, 2008

The power of pain

By JULIAN A LEICESTER

This is the third in a series of seven articles on creating the = will to=20 stop smoking. This week, we look at the role of pain in quitting=20 smoking.

WHEN I meet a client who wants to quit smoking, I always ask why = he/she wants=20 to quit.

Usually, their answers vary over a wide variety of reasons.

That=92s not important here to discuss because it is just their = statement to=20 quit.

I normally ask them the next question, which always sets them on = panic mode =96=20 what is the price they are willing to pay to quit?

Their minds would be racing, and they would be thinking in terms of = ringgit=20 and sens =96 my fees. Will it be too high?

I ask them again, calmly: =93What price are you willing to pay to = grow?=94

Even as little children, we have always been trained to approach pain = and=20 struggles as negative.

But pain is an important positive factor for success. Have you heard = of the=20 saying =93No pain, no gain=94?

You must understand that pain is just a label that you have learnt = previously=20 and associated it with unpleasantness. When you are relaxed, it is = gone.

Step three: The power of pain =96 the fertiliser to successful = cessation of=20 smoking

There are many components that create pain.

With reference to quitting the habit of smoking, the =93pain=94 can = be that you=20 would feel the effects of quitting on your current lifestyle habits. It = can also=20 result because of fear.

=93What would life be without my lover, the cigarette?=94 said a = smoker to=20 me.

Yes! To quit smoking is like handling a break-up.

You need to decide whether your cigarette, while giving you benefits = and=20 pleasure emotionally in situations like loneliness, boredom, inspiration = or=20 loving support, is silently hurting you inside and in the long run is = going to=20 ruin you.

You have handled such relationships before, knowing what=92s best for = your life=20 in the long term.

Perhaps, it is time to realise the real pain smoking causes and = change your=20 original painful concept of quitting into a pleasurable one.

What you must do now

It=92s time to appreciate the true value of pain to accomplish = quitting=20 smoking.

Pain really has always been a =93positive=94 way the body uses to = =93show=94 us that=20 something needs to be made better or repaired. It is not meant for you = to react=20 and run away from.

It is natural that you may feel pressured along the way =96 in the = form of=20 feelings and cravings =96 and want to take a step back and return to = smoking.

When we come to such a stage, we must always remember our dear friend = =93courage=94 =96 it always arises when we summon it forward. Freedom = needs a bold=20 step.

I read a book once called the Rhythm of Life and the author = termed=20 freedom as =93the strength of character to do the right thing=94.

Is going through the inconvenience of quitting smoking a character = enhancing=20 experience of doing the =93right thing=94 in your life?

Is freedom the development of your focus and attitude to succeed?

I have posed these questions to you so that you will awaken the = cigarette=20 slayer that resides in you now!

At this moment, you will realise the potential of your mind and body = to help=20 you if you persistently allow it.

Appreciate the pains of your effort now. Bear through it and just = allow it to=20 exist for a while. Keep your absolute focus on your target to quit. = Raise the=20 cigarette slayer in you.

Julian A Leicester is the designer of the Cigarette Slayer Quit = Smoking=20 method. For more information, email www.hypno-station.com. The views = expressed=20 are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert = advice=20 before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not = give any=20 warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other=20 assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star = disclaims all=20 responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury = suffered=20 directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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