Mon 30 Mar 2009
A Purpose for Pain
Posted by Amanda under General, Musings
[4] Comments
Welcome to another episode of “Inside Amanda’s Head” where only the courageous tread. (And those who fall inadvertently close to her are trapped here before bed more oft than not.)
Jung once said “There is no coming to life without pain.” This falls in line with the statement I often ruminate upon, “I need pain before I can grow.” We begin here.
We are born. I know everyone always talks about the Mum in labour, and her labour pains and the pains of childbirth. But I doubt it’s a walk in the park for the baby either. I personally cannot remember being squeezed through my birth canal, struggling for my first breath, feeling the vulnerability and cold, the awful screaming cold. Life begins in pain. And continues onward from there.
This entry is not supposed to be a downer. It is a hopeful thought. Carry it through with me.
Pain is defined (I know, me and my definitions) as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage” by the International Association for the Study of Pain.
Pain is part of the body’s defense system, triggering a reflex reaction to retract from a painful stimulus, and helps adjust behavior to increase avoidance of that particular harmful situation in the future. Given its significance, physical pain is also linked to various cultural, religious, philosophical, or social issues.
-Pain- Wikipedia
Pain helps me adjust my behaviour to avoid feeling pain. I choose whatever it is inflicting pain on me, then because of the pain I adjust my behaviour. That seems to make sense. Pain is required!
The interesting thing is what behaviour we undertake or inflict when we are in the pursuit to avoid pain. We take drugs, we drink too much, we cling and demand as we buck against the pain. Pain is supposed to be a positive sensation aiding us to avoid a harmful situation. But our “reflective reaction” if not chosen carefully exposes us to more pain. Our escapism furthers our own destruction.
How do we fix this? This is a big question. It is right up there with world hunger and global peace. How do we change? What do you think?
March 31st, 2009 at 7:09 am
There is an answer to this question.
And, unlike finding an answer to things like world hunger and global peace, it IS a real answer, one that actually gives people hope and purpose for living. One that enables them to persevere life’s struggles and painful situations. This side of heaven, that is what life is. You’re right, it’s in choosing our reaction to these situations that is key.
It’s funny you mentioned the baby’s perspective of birth. When my DD was born, I remember crying in my hospital bed the next day. I felt so sorry for her… she was out of the safe confinement of my womb, the only world she’d known so far.. a perfect, safe, warm place, close to her mommy’s heart. Now she was exposed to all the hardships life could bring her, and all the evil in our sinful world. I was scared for her. But we have a hope! And I know you know where that is found. PTL!
March 31st, 2009 at 7:12 am
Sorry, I just HAVE to add another comment I thought of. My mother in law just recently returned from a missions trip to Zambia, and had the privilege of going to a church in one of the compounds (a village of many many poverty stricken people). She couldn’t understand most of the service because it was in Bemba, the native tongue, but an older zambian man stood up and started singing a familiar hymn in bemba. First, she was struck by the sight of this older man. You just don’t see elderly people in Zambia.. people don’t live that long. Second, she was overwhelmed by the hymn he sang.. “Count Your Blessings.” In the midst of the pain of Africa, AIDS/Poverty/hunger/government injustice etc…. he could still sing that song. He has found the answer.
March 31st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I like this quote by CS Lewis. “Pain is God’s megaphone.” If nothing else, it prompts us to cry out to Him in our vulnerability. For me, the prospect of pain is rarely anticipated with a welcoming mind and heart nor endured with a willing spirit but is often viewed from hindsight with much gratitude. My most intense experiences with physical pain brought forth 3 of my most treasured relationships.
March 31st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
hm I love this too. Thank you for sharing. That’s beautiful