marco mi:
i completed a 10day S.N Goenka retreat some time back
during the sixth/seventh day, i felt a sharp pain in the centre of my chest which quickly passed onto the left side where near the arm/torso joint. along with intense memories which were passing in my mind.
my skin has become very sensitive in this area since. and there is this constant pressure near the the chest side.
the pain/pressure feels more muscular in nature, which usually builds up towards the later half of the day
i have had an ecg and 2d echo test done both of which were normal.
this has started in the retreat and has since been there.
any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated
Keep going, unless it's too painful. I would bet good money that that pain is repressed emotion(s).
Three things, though:
1- To do this with a good therapist will probably be better.
2- Check the quality of your equanimity, i.e., sometimes equanimity can be used to "fight" against a sensation/feeling, instead of investigating it. The proper attitude is intentional and honest investigation.
3- Get ready for some painful emotions.