Dealing with pain whether physical, mental, or emotional can be very difficult especially when it is long lasting. When in its throes it is easy for me to become depressed, to feel there is no hope it will ever end, and that I can’t keep going. I find myself so focused on the pain I allow it to take over my life and I become incapacitated. Yet even if the pain continues to be present there are things I can do to help myself learn to live, despite the pain, if I listen for my Higher Power’s directions.
Sometimes I find the way to deal with physical pain is to accept it. To stop fighting it, or resisting it, and to focus on breathing into it with acceptance as I relax every muscle I can with consciousness, one body part or muscle at a time. This same technique can help me when I experience mental or emotional pain or discomfort too. I work at complete acceptance of it as part of my journey. What am I supposed to learn from this pain? Growth and change can be painful. Acceptance of the pain as a normal aspect of life can help me live with it as I live my life the best I can within the parameters of my limitations.
At the same time I can use what tools I have to help me walk through the pain: the 12 Steps, ice, heat, rest, prayer, meditation, massage, alternative medicine, accupressure, accupuncture, gratitude for all the wonderful things in my life, helping and serving others, creating, laughter, music, exercise, nature, sharing my truth, asking for help, and theraputic professionals. If I can’t stop the pain I can still change me and not let it rule my life. As Haruki Murakami said, “Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.” Sometimes recognition of and then accepting the suffering is needed too.
Susan B. May 24, 2026
Photo by Qwerqu McBrew on Unsplash
Leave a Reply