In verse II.16 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (2000 years old give or take), we are given the following instruction: heyam dukham anagatam (pain and suffering that have not yet happened may be avoided). From Judith Lasater: The suffering of the past cannot be wiped out, the suffering of this moment is what I am experiencing right now, The suffering that exists in the future can [at least to some extent] be avoided by the choices I make now.
In your practice this week, notice: are you listening to your body and heart? are you working in an easeful, pain-free range of motion? resting in sensation with compassionate awareness rather than story-telling, judging, refusing or exaggerating? finding an efficient and effortless engagement with each movement and posture rather than forcing or pushing? Happy pain-free exploring!