Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does practicing mindfulness lead to a sense of agency in individuals experiencing pain?
Practicing mindfulness allows individuals to become more aware of the thoughts and emotions associated with their pain. This increased awareness empowers them to make conscious decisions about how they want to respond to their pain, rather than simply reacting to it. For example, someone might notice that they tend to catastrophize their pain, making it seem worse than it is. Through mindfulness practice, they can learn to recognize this pattern and choose to reframe their thoughts in a more helpful way. This sense of control over one's mental and emotional response to pain can lead to a greater feeling of agency.