Finding the Silver Linings: Physical Pain

Physical pain is something that we can all expect to experience during our lives. So, how do we cope with living in pain, how can we possibly find some good in it? This is indeed a challenge, especially for those who live in states of chronic pain, varying from minor aches of ever day wear and tear to states of suffering and agony.  

I have recently recovered from a violent short term illness, stricken with high fever and incredible pain in my body and mind. This is a situation where I was glad to remember that everything is temporary.
Pain is indeed a humbling teacher.
I began to write down all the ways I could think about pain in a positive way.
The force with which pain calls it's victim to the present moment is so intense, that often the thought of everything else diminishes. Oh, if only we could voluntarily call upon this kind of one-pointed concentration, and total absorption to other aspects of our lives.
Pain invokes compassion. When people (and animals) are in pain, it gives others the opportunity to serve and help them, to open their hearts and feel what the other must be feeling.
This is a wonderful experience, a truly divine connection between two sentient beings. This opportunity to serve, love and give acts as a bridge that draws us closer to God, closer to that Love within us.
For the one who is suffering and receiving the acts of compassion, their hearts open with gratitude and humility, also drawing them ever closer to their Divine Nature.
Pain slows down the passage of time, minuted pass like hours, and the days seem to stretch long. Time is indeed relative, and our time here on Earth is short, so we really should make the most of it.

It also definitely gives a different perspective on our good health, and that we should be humbly grateful for it. We value the very simplest things when we recover our health after an injury or illness, walking and running, eating and drinking, our hobbies and loves of life can again be fully enjoyed. 

"The body is a painted image, subject to disease, death, and decay,
held together by thoughts that come and go.
What joy can there be for those who see that there white bones
will be cast away like gourds in the autumn?" 
​- The Dhammapada, Age, verses 147-149


I wish you happiness, good health and peace on your own personal journey,

All is Love,

Bryan Nupp