If We are to Resolve Pain – We must Begin with Love

© Elaine M. Grohman

Every problem we see in our Lives today, are created and held in our memories from recent events, from our past, or are projected into our future. Every problem we see, and experience begin in the same way. Our problems begin with Pain. Every single time.

Pain is not our enemy, but it can create enemies. Pain is not our wounds, but it can create wounds. Pain may appear to be obvious; the agony of disease, the trauma of injury, violence and war, the depression caused by deprivation - but in truth, Pain is always at the beginning of all the challenges in our Lives. If we continue to dismiss, hide, or ignore what causes that Pain – war, suffering and injury will remain. We can change that – but first we must Learn how to recognize it sooner so that we can prevent it from continuing.

There is an often quoted, but accepted phrase that says, “Hurt people, hurt people.” That is often true. But if we ignore why that Pain began in the first place, we will fail to Learn healthier ways to care for one another and can become consumed by resentment, hatred, anger, and fear, that causes further Pain – and we will forever suffer the consequences.

We pretend that we are fine when we are not fine. Every one of us carry some degree of Spiritual Pain, Emotional Pain, Mental Pain, or Physical Pain, and if­­ that Pain is not prevented or ended, then our beliefs and our actions will go unexamined, our Pain/Wounds become our singular focus, and we will continue to justify our angry thoughts and drive our actions in damaging ways. It is Time for all of us to Learn how to Respond, not simply react.

There is no need to fight Pain since Pain has its purpose. Physical pain alerts us that something is wrong with the Body. We may have an injury, infection, or blockage of some kind. Then our Pain is calling for our attention, bringing our attention where attention is needed. Once acknowledged, then appropriate action can be taken to stop whatever is causing that pain.  Pain is the Body’s alarm alerting us that something is wrong. It is Time to consider the consequences if we continue ignore how Pain affects us all. Without honest and thoughtful examination, Pain has dire and long-lasting consequences.

It is wise to examine and consider meaningful ways to prevent and mitigate Pain before it consumes us. Pain is so much more that what we think it is.

Pain begins with neglect, loneliness, and harsh words. Pain is the beginning, the middle, and the end of any story where trauma, poverty, insult, injury, abuse, division, greed, destruction, and war exist.

Pain is Spiritual, Physical, Emotional and Mental, and often begins in unseen ways. Pain is the driving force that transforms into silent heartache, loneliness, depression, and fear – each capable of limiting our Life’s potential. Unacknowledged pain can and will lead to poor choices, risky actions, compromised judgments and ultimately physical pain. Unresolved Pain leads to distress and disease because one fundamental and essential component of Life is absent, and that absence silently and insidiously undermines our sense of Self-worth and well begin.

What is absent?  Love is absent.

When Love, in all Its countless forms is absent or withdrawn – Pain is the inevitable outcome. In next month’s article, I will begin where I know best. With my own Pain, and how that Pain has molded my Life in ways I had not recognized, until ignoring Pain became too much to bear.