There is no antidote to chronic pain and the slow, relentless disruption it brings. I’ve been exposed to many management techniques. I use several. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual pain, I have a couple favorites that require nothing outside myself.
The first is committing acts of love. Not the big showy kind but small acts such as giving a one liner to a stranger to make us both laugh, briefly serenading a coworker with whatever skill I have, giving a struggling person something to eat, or saving a bug. Any act of kindness coming from my heart adds love to the world, eases my pain, and jumpstarts my soul. Humility is key. The world needs humble.
The second is when I’m alone in pain searching for something to give me comfort. I look closely at something usually in the natural world but it’s not required. I focus on one thing like a branch, a flower, a weed, a ceiling, a door. Anything will do to disentangle my pain experience from my focus.
I observe as many details as possible as if I was going to be interrogated later. No detail is too small. I’m the Sherlock Holmes of patient observation of one small thing. It gives my mind a break from the pain and makes me notice there’s more to the world than my internal agony.
Yes, there are reams of research and libraries of books on pain management. Whatever works that doesn’t harm others is fine. These two give me comfort and joy. In a world where these are lacking, I’ll take them where I can.
L’Chaim.
Joceile
6.22.24
