Don't Lose The Lesson

We all experience pain of some sort in this lifetime . . . physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual. None of us can escape it.  None of us are exempt.  Pain is simply part of the human condition.

"Behind every beautiful thing, there's some kind of pain."

- Bob Dylan

After suffering for nearly four years with a debilitating, chronic pain condition, I had a very intimate relationship with pain.  What started out as physical pain, transformed and became all-encompassing, affecting me on every level of my being.  In fact, it seemed that pain not only defined me . . . it defined my entire life.  Physically, my aching body could no longer participate in even the most basic activities without extreme discomfort.  Emotionally, I felt withdrawn from the people I loved most and my relationships became strained . . . distant.  Mentally, I forced myself each day to try to maintain some sense of normalcy both personally and professionally; and every day I felt like I failed miserably.  Spiritually, my faith wavered as my condition lingered and worsened.  No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I couldn't perceive anything but pain.

"The wound is the place where the light enters you."

- Rumi

As a result of a proper diagnosis and treatment, I can thankfully say that I am no longer affected by my chronic pain condition.  What I learned during this journey is that pain, no matter the type, is neither good nor bad.  All pain has a lesson within it.

"The unending paradox is that we do learn through pain."

- Madeleine L'Engle

"The cure for pain is in the pain."

-Rumi

If we push ourselves too hard, engage in vigorous activity or neglect our health, our body responds with physical pain.  If we interact or engage in relationships that leave us feeling unfulfilled or unappreciated, we experience emotional pain. Pain is an indicator to pay attention and to act.

"Pain will leave you, when you let go."

- Jeremy Aldana

Too often, we go through painful times or circumstances and once it's over, we continue to hold on to the pain.  Sometimes we hold onto the pain so tightly that we miss the lesson completely.

"Turn your wounds into wisdom."

- Oprah Winfrey

I could have chosen to let those four years of pain continue to define me long after the discomfort ended. I could have chosen to look back in anger over the struggle and hurt, but that would be pointless.  That time has passed and cannot be changed.  I, however, can change and am changed because of my experience.

The next time life challenges you and pain surfaces, remember to pay attention, look within, act, and don't lose sight of the lesson because you're distracted by or can't let go of the pain.

Follow Your Bliss . . .

This is not my own, but it is definitely one of my favorites

Follow your bliss – that simple knowing that this is what you've been looking for all along.

Follow your bliss – remembering that moment you felt it and you knew.  Follow that “all I've ever wanted” nagging in your heart.  Follow the hope that you will be safe and warm.

Follow your bliss – for in it you will weather any storm.

Follow your bliss – it’s unconditional, genuine, absolute.  Follow the flutter in your stomach when you think of looking into those eyes.  Follow the comfort in knowing that someone sees the strength in you.

Follow your bliss – hold it close, don’t let it go.

Follow your bliss – don’t be deceived by circumstance.  Follow that simple truth that something solid, something constant awaits you.  Follow the urge to cast away all that is holding you back…holding you hostage…holding you in regret.

Follow your bliss – and know that when the day is through, something pure and loving awaits you.

Follow your bliss – cast away all that disparages you.  Follow your soul to the place it longs to go.  Follow the belief that whatever the consequence, your bliss will hold you up and never let you down.

Follow your bliss – that lives in your heart when you close your eyes at night and that longs to be next to you as you awake.

Follow your bliss – that passion that you felt when you held it in your hands.  Follow the warmth that the thought of holding it again brings to your soul.  Follow the joy that you felt when you awaited its coming.

Follow your bliss – it waits in blessed constancy for your return.

Follow your bliss – for true bliss is not momentary.  Follow the harmony that you long for in your heart of hearts.  Follow the peace that rings in the voice of your beloved – that tells you all is well.

Follow your bliss – for in it rests your most blessed existence and to hesitate, linger and postpone will surely silence the song in your heart.

My friend, follow your bliss.