Pain And Suffering
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer. ~Albert Camus
Due to the recent loss in our family, I have contemplated once more the meaning of pain and suffering that we as humans so often experience. No one wants to suffer and none of us want to go through the process of suffering. This process is painful and it is a place of profound loneliness as we face those “winter moments” in our lives.
I have tried to imagine what life would be like if we never had to suffer. And if throughout our lives, everything went exactly the way we wished it would be. If we had all the love, all of the talent and intellectual capacities, if we were all-powerful and had wealth beyond measure, what would we as human beings be like? I wonder as multi-dimensional beings, could we grow, develop and strengthen our inner spiritual selves and our physical and mental well being? Could we comprehend, even in the least, that life is far greater than the meeting of our external physical needs? Would we simply exist in an infantile state only seeking to gratify the next desire?
When a person experiences suffering, the pain can go very deep. Often words can utterly fail us. We would rather find a place to ourselves to shelter us from the voracity of the assailant. Indeed, if we could, we would retreat completely until we have a chance to heal and dry our bitter tears.
“Life is difficult.” This is the first sentence Dr. M. Scott Peck wrote in his ground-breaking book, “The Road Less Traveled.” Dr. Peck gave us the benefit of this work that I would recommend to everyone to read at least once. And so it is….life is difficult and arduous! This is also the first of the “Four Noble Truths”, as taught by Buddha. “Life is suffering.” And yet, something profoundly beautiful can take place in a human life when they experience suffering. It is within their own choice to transform it into something workable and meaningful in and for their own experience. Life on this earth gives us many opportunities to grow and evolve into generous, kind and loving human beings. Not all will chose to go that path but the opportunities are there each and every time we encounter hardship and loss.
Pain and suffering create an inroad into our deeper selves. Kahlil Gibran says it beautifully, “Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” This “understanding,” once realized, is profoundly transformative and provides us with the means to “ground” ourselves in order to find a greater purpose for our lives.
I wish for each of my readers to be strengthened when you go through your own pain. Indeed, pain will come to all of us, without exception. The treasure of God lies within you and it is within you where you will find the wisdom and understanding that you will need. All the strength and fortitude will be there to enable you to live through each painful second. Be not afraid but understand that you are never alone. You will emerge stronger, having learned lessons that could never have been bought for a price. That, I believe, is called, “Grace” and that grace will be your gift!
Gently, I smile as I realize,
The pangs of my pain
The wounds of my sufferings
Are transformed into
A tranquil river of love. ~Viola M. Jaynes
Viola,
Well said, my friend! I have come to see pain and other challenges as my teachers. I will admit I don’t always like my teachers and very often defy them. But I don’t learn until I accept them and listen.
I have often wondered what it would be like to live free of this stuff. Some who are enlightened live through these things well and seem to be free of it. I have known folks who also seem to skate through life with very few such obstacles, but they too face difficult challenges.
We tend to prize empathy in our friends; perhaps shared challenges and shared victories are the building blocks of true relationships. Part of that great mystery.
God bless. I wish you peace.
Comment by SandyCarlson — June 4, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
Oh Sandy, you are a treasure to me! Thank you!
Comment by Viola Jaynes — June 4, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
Viola, this is written with sensitivity and compassion. Thank you for always finding a way to encourage your readers.
Comment by Liz — June 6, 2008 @ 2:50 am
Thank you Liz, for your visit again to my blog. I always appreciate your kindness and encouragement. I recently read that over 50% of all information on the internet is false. I want to be a part of the 50% that is true and positive. I keep thinking that by encouraging people to find greater meaning in their lives, that that simply can’t be wrong. Thank you again.
Comment by Viola Jaynes — June 6, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
What wonderful insight and encouragement, Viola.
Like everyone who is human, I have trod the Via Dolorosa. Your essay is like a map of the journey.
Comment by Jimmy J. — June 7, 2008 @ 5:26 am
Yes, I know you have Jimmy. It has also made you a more loving and kinder human being. Thanks for your kind comment.
Comment by Viola Jaynes — June 7, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
Viola,
Just want to say hello. I am enjoying your posts and your slide shows! God bless, friend.
Comment by SandyCarlson — June 10, 2008 @ 1:51 am
Thanks Sandy!
Comment by Viola Jaynes — June 10, 2008 @ 2:59 am
Wonderful verse at the end and good references. Your writing is both concise and sensitive, intuitive and articulate.
Thank you for so clearly describing suffering, and recognizing the awakening that comes with it.
Comment by ReidMe — June 21, 2008 @ 1:55 am
very beautiful story about pain and suffering.
so many people suffer mentally or some kind of illness.
you said it right when you said if a person goes through suffering its up to that person on the out come of his
recovery to change.A tranquil river or complete defeat.
would you swim or drown.
Comment by ShirleyBug — June 21, 2008 @ 1:59 am
Hello Viola – what a beautiful post. I found you searching for Gibran’s thoughts on suffering. I seem to remember something from the Prophet about how suffering scoops out your heart so that it can be greater filled with love. Many wise and beautiful insights in this post. To be graceful/full of grace – something I’m hoping for. Thank you.
Comment by Kate Lord Brown — January 29, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Thank you, Kate! Life is a never ending learning ground for all of us. Best wishes and thoughts for you!
Comment by Viola Jaynes — January 29, 2009 @ 7:44 pm