Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does mindfulness meditation alter one's perception of pain during meditation?
Mindfulness meditation affects pain perception by teaching individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This non-judgmental awareness helps participants become more aware of the mental stories they create around their pain, such as catastrophizing or negative self-talk. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can learn to let go of unhelpful thought processes, which may decrease the perceived intensity of their pain.