To the Pain
written Sept.12, 2010


("To the Pain" is part of a phrase from the film "The Princess Bride".)

In our unique paths, we will each face varying degrees of pain: be it physical or emotional, be it heartburn or heartbreak. Particularly for humankind, pain is a subjective and often multidimensional experience that is rendered through our individual perspectives and histories. Pain can be simply "pain" (a sensation) or it can become "suffering" (an interpretive experience). Many people go through life without a speck of fear about Death, but most would admit that they hope to die painlessly. Even mortality itself is far less daunting than the brutality of Suffering. For those in pain, death entails the end of all sensation (good or bad) while suffering alludes to indefinite continuation of pain. When one feels overwhelmed by the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune", pain becomes a merciless tyrant that rules with a hot iron fist.

However, even amidst the throes of pain, there is an opportunity to develop an enlightening practice. Pain is an effective instigator for Contemplation, Healing and Self-Evolution. It is a powerful spiritual meditation – for each moment of pain can be transformed into a meditation on breath, presence and ultimately, one's core beliefs about the Universe.

Pain is a meditation on Breath because that is the first thing that is within our reach. Breathing through the trauma will activate our organic pharmacy: natural opiates. As our lungs expand and our body gets the signal to release the feel-good chemicals, we get instant relief. Athletes know the power of breath because it is a primary point of focus in their training and proper breath is key to effective performance. Modern medicine is beginning to understand the importance of the breath. Dr. Andrew Weil's work recognizes that many illnesses are actually caused by improper breathing and a big aspect of his work focuses on teaching powerful breathing techniques for healing the body. (See his book: "Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing"). Eastern wisdom has long recognized the power of breath through its yogic studies. As part of the journey of physical and spiritual self-mastery, a yogi will study the art and science of moving one’s “life force” through the breath: the practice of Pranayama.

Pain is a meditation on Presence because the practice of staying in the Now transforms pain into a more palatable experience of pure sensation rather than suffering. Ironically, Pain often triggers us to escape from the Now because we fear we cannot handle the experience yet we end up simply leaping into the Unknown Future where we often imagine all manner of horrors. As the infamous Mark Twain saying goes: "I have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened." Interestingly enough, if we face the pain directly with full presence, we can bear it. Here is a thought that I activate whenever I face strong pain (physical or emotional): "This is temporary. I will focus my energy on the Now moment."

Another helpful practice is to keep your "distances" very short. In other words, when making time-based or distance-based goals while under severe pain, do not think far into the future. Think close to the Now. Think in 24 hour or even shorter segments of time/space. If dealing with actual distance, think in short lengths. In the documentary film "Touching the Void", the climber named Joe Simpson managed to survive his excruciating trek with a broken leg, perilous conditions and zero supplies by focusing on visible targets. Instead of thinking of the base camp which was 5 miles away, he would focus on short distances that were within sight and once he arrived at each spot, he would stretch his sight just a little further ahead. If he had focused on base camp (albeit his final goal), he would have lost hope and given up. The end would have seemed too far or impossible to reach. He survived the ordeal because of this approach. I often share his story in workshops to illustrate the power of focusing in the Now.

Pain is a meditation on the Meaning of Life because when we are racked with unbearable pain, we will eventually question the very purpose of our Existence. It is especially frightening when the pain seems unending. Whether physical or emotional, the pain can project our fears far into the future with questions like: What if it never heals? What if no one can help me? What did I do to deserve this? etc.

When our fundamental beliefs about the Universe are called into question, all the cards are laid upon the table and we finally get to see what deck we've been playing with all along: Do we believe in a Loving and Meaningful Universe? Or do we believe in a Cruel and Meaningless Reality? Pain has little patience for posers. At deeply painful times, we seek Truth as the balm for our ailing bodies and hearts: true medicine, true answers, true understanding and true friends.

Amidst intense physical pain, here is a truth that will serve as a powerful mantra: Our body is brilliant and knows more than any doctor about the process of healing. It is already on the job. It is always moving towards balance and alignment, even in the face of trauma and adversity. Even when it is in pain, it is healing and working towards our survival. Pain is not a punishment; pain is a message being sent inside a beautifully designed system of biological communication and cooperation. Our body is not the enemy. If anything, it is our greatest and most unwavering ally. Till the very last breath, it is on our side and is working for us. It wants us to thrive. That is unconditional love incarnated into the biology of our being. If in the darkest hours, we could somehow remember this truth, we would be freed from suffering despite being in pain.

Amidst intense emotional pain, here is a truth that will benefit the heart and mind: Pain is an agent of change because it is here to guide us into exploring new ways of doing, being and seeing. Pain is an intelligent experience that is part of our evolutionary journey; we can use pain to guide our spiritual progress. Emotional Pain is here as your personal trainer, to indicate the places in your psyche that are ready for growth and healing. It is not a brute force but a loving force. It usually guides us in gentle ways but if we are not listening or in denial, it will eventually turn up the volume. If the pain is very intense, then you can trust this topic is very immediate and requires a new perspective as soon as possible.

Instead of relying on Hindsight to understand the meaning of the experience, we can use Foresight to approach the "growing pains" with resolve and trust. If we can understand that we are not being forsaken by some cruel universe nor being punished by some wrathful god, then we will no longer curse Pain. Granted, Pain is not the only guide available to us and it need not flavour the entire curriculum of our spiritual education. Pleasure is also a teacher in this realm of Duality and we are never far from her teachings if we remember to find her. In fact, we can reduce Suffering through our sense of Humour and Curiosity.

Inspired by the subcultures who study the art of pleasure through pain, let us find Healing amidst the Hurt, and Laughter amidst Challenges. As we practice meditating on Breath, staying Present and using Pain as a Spiritual Catalyst, we can more fully discover ourselves and turn the painful "whipping" into a powerful teaching.

by little woo
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epicalchemy@littlewoo.org