Pain can be an awesome teacher if we let it be!
The are many facets to pain.
For example,
Pain can be...
Intense
Uncomfortable
Difficult
Inconvenient
Costly
Disrupting
Irritating
Crippling
Degenerating
Enervating (exhausting)
However, pain can also be:
I have a pneumonic for the word PAIN.
P.A.I. N. = Pay Attention Important Now!
The word 'symptom' means 'signal'. When your body is sending you a pain signal, it's wise to pay attention to it!
Whether it's viewed as positive or negative, pain can be a great 'teacher' if we let it be.
Choosing to 'numb the pain' (with: drugs, negative vices/habits; or neglect) will often lead to 'lessons' needing to be repeated, until the learning is complete!
People often ask me: “Dr. SAM, what should I take for the pain?”.
My answers are often: “Take a full breath”. “Take rest.” “Take exercise (when possible).” “Take nourishment.” “Take water.” “Take sun.” “Take a bath.” And... “Take time to reflect — on your diet, lifestyle, and mindset”.
No, I'm not kidding! (These really are my answers very often).
Yes, each situation is unique. I do honor and understand that!
Pain can be so intense that it causes people to go crazy; lose sleep; and even become so depressed that they become suicidal.
At this point, if 'numbing the pain' is the best choice or option to cope and deal with the situation, it may have to be done.
However, all too often ways to 'escape or erase the pain', instead of 'embrace the pain' are sought out (even when the pain is just mild).
Learning to 'be with the pain' can be a very valuable experience.
And.. experience is often a great teacher!
“No pain, No gain!” Right?
Well... this really just DEPENDS!
When the 'Pain Teacher' shows up, it will depend on how 'you' show up as well!
Like many things in life, pain is about the 'relationship' you have with it.
If you 'embrace' the 'Pain Teacher' with love and respect, the learning (and healing) you need will happen
However, if you always try to 'erase' or 'escape' the pain, the 'Pain Teacher' will be back — and often with lessons that are much harder!
There is no need to be a glutton. There is no glory in suffering needlessly as a result of consistent choices and actions (an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, for example) that lead to consistent painful conditions. The only lesson here is... STOP beating yourself up!
As a physical rehabilitation specialist, I spend a good amount of time during the day helping people 'deal with pain', so they can achieve a higher quality of life!
One thing is for sure...
The 'PAIN Teacher' is always ready to teach!
