We all want to be free from emotional pain and suffering, and
unfortunately most of us will do anything to prevent pain from occurring in our
lives. These distractions can tend to turn
into addictions. Anything
taken to the extreme isn’t good for us.
For whatever reason, our society rejects pain as being a necessary part
of life. How dare we say we
aren’t doing well when someone asks us. Authenticity is looked down upon. Some spiritual practices tell us to
move into our pain, to be in the moment.
This is the way we learn about ourselves and the only way we can be
free. We learn what is working in our
lives and what isn’t, who is good for us and who isn’t, actions that need
to be taken, boundaries that need to be set, etc. When we don’t dive into the pain, we live
with an underlying chronic discomfort, restlessness and anxiety. It gets repressed, and eventually we get
depressed. We lose our peace, our joy. Pain
is a natural part of life. The deeper we
can be with and feel our pain, the deeper our capacity will be to feel
joy.
Pain has many causes: Losing someone we love whether it be through a
breakup, death, moving away, a divorce, or the disappointment when our expectations aren't met, when we lose a job or move out of our
parent’s house. Any life transition, whether
it’s positive or negative brings grief, whether we are aware of it or not. When we
don’t feel the necessary feelings and grief, they don’t just go away. They stay stuck in our bodies, drain our energy and eventually will make us physically sick. Ironically, by being present to ourselves and
our lives, we move through the pain faster.
Most people think the opposite, that if we repress or avoid our pain, it will go away. That is what actually leads to suffering,
which is long term pain. In life, pain is inevitable but suffering is
optional. I love this saying because
it reminds me what is true. We have a
choice to suffer. How powerful! If only we actually lived
this truth, our lives would be so much more joyful. Feeling our feelings is a sign of self
love. When we love ourselves enough to
feel our feelings, whatever they are moment by moment, we will learn lessons
quicker, experience more joy, peace and love, decrease fear and anxiety, and most of all, trust that our lives are unfolding for the highest good. We actually have the opportunity to LIVE our lives and be free. This is all easier said than done. It takes work, discipline, commitment and intention. My collaborative psychotherapy services are designed to educate and empower you to take back your life and start to enjoy these amazing benefits. Contact me anytime at (805)279-4686 for a free consultation.
I welcome your comments and experiences about pain and suffering.
I welcome your comments and experiences about pain and suffering.
Peace and Blessings,
Jill
