The Gift Hidden In Our Wounding
I work with people feeling wounded daily – it’s my job. I experience wounding in my own life. Who among us hasn’t experienced that.
It’s a human condition. So much so that it bears repeating that the pain we feel from the mistakes we make – or others make – is an essential part of growing into maturity and into a fulfilling life.
Every time I fail in something I’m trying to accomplish, I remind myself of how many times Thomas Edison had to fail before he succeeded. Every time I make a mistake or am harshly judged, I remember that all of this is fertile ground, and without it, I would never have the opportunity to grow.
Think about what it would be like if we were to truly live in a paradise where nothing bad or troublesome ever happened. How much growth and development do you imagine would occur? The answer is no growth. No development. There would be no necessary impetus that pain provides.
Even with physical pain. For instance, I was a marathon runner, until I greatly overdid it and snapped a hamstring. Then about a year later, I slipped on water and hit my kneecap so badly it developed painful bone spurs. Then, after totally ignoring the warnings and signs that ticks were prevalent where I often was, I got Lyme disease. This exacerbated my former injuries to the point I was unable to walk, let alone jog. This spurred me on to find a doctor who would work with me and who I could afford. That took some time. I also pursued a number of alternative treatments. Eventually, as a result not only of physical treatments, but also a total change in my attitude towards my physical care and approach towards health, I regained my health.
It’s the same with emotional pain: something happens – it’s emotionally shocking and unwelcome. At first we don’t know what to do and begin to search for remedies. Some work short-term and a few work for the long run. Eventually, if you persist, the pain recedes, and in the meantime, you have grown and matured and are, as a result, in a different and better place.
All thanks to the message of pain.
Quote of the Week
The wound is the place where light enters you.
― Rumi
A new way to think about pain
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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist. To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .
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