Pain vs Suffering: Understanding the difference and finding relief.

In life we all encounter pain and suffering in various forms.  Whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological these experiences can have a profound impact on our well-being.  It is crucial to understand that pain and suffering are not synonymous.

While pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, suffering is often a result of how we perceive and respond to pain.  Understanding the difference between pain and suffering can help us to alleviate experiencing unnecessary suffering in our lives.

Pain is a sensory and physical experience that signals something is wrong in our bodies or lives.  It is essential to our survival and provides valuable information.  Physical pain, such as injuries or illnesses, emotional pain that arises from loss, heartbreak or disappointment can be equally challenging to bear.  Pain in and of itself is a natural response and not inherently negative, it is merely a message from our body or mind that requires attention.

While pain is an objective experience, suffering is subjective, it is deeply influenced by our thoughts, beliefs, and reactions.  Suffering arises when we resist or attach ourselves to the pain, amplifying its impact on our lives. It is a product of our mental and emotional responses to the pain we encounter.  Suffering often involves dwelling on negative experiences, ruminating on the past, or fearing the future.  It stems from our attachment to our pain, identification with it and the stories we create around it.

So how do we break the cycle of suffering?

The first step is awareness of what we are doing that is causing our suffering, followed by acceptance and mindfulness.  We accept our pain allowing it to be present with out resistance.  We can observe our pain without judgement or should and shift our attention back to the present moment.  There is no suffering in the present moment, just clean pain.

Second, we can change our perception of pain, reframe our thoughts and beliefs. As an example, instead of viewing pain as a permanent state, remind ourselves it is temporary, and flows in and out.  Emotional pain is simply a reminder that we have lost something that was important to us or that we cared about.

Thirdly we show self-compassion and give ourselves emotional support. It is essential to be gentle with ourselves.  This involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding and empathy. Seeking emotional or other support from those who care about us or professionals is valuable, this allows us to safely express and process our pain.

Lastly, move our attention to what we can control.  Suffering as mentioned earlier often arises from trying to control or change something that is beyond our control.  By shifting our attention to what we can influence and control which is our contribution we empower ourselves.

Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, but we do not have to suffer. By understanding the difference, we are more likely to notice when we are creating unnecessary suffering for ourselves.  By cultivating acceptance of pain is a part of the human experience we can more easily offer ourselves the space we all need to feel our pain, to allow it to come and go as we navigate life, no judgement, no rush, to breathe through it.

Alright my friends, thanks for reading, and have a great week. If you would like to learn more, I would love for you to visit my website www.pampoole.co.nz