Ponderings on Pain :: A Self-Discovery, Word by Word Round-Up

{image credit :: the amazing liz song at live inspired}

When my dear friend Shannon asked me to host the November Self-Discovery, Word by Word series, I had no doubt that she would come through with a word that would totally kick my butt (in the best way possible) – and a post that would do the same.

I don’t know about for those of you who have participated in this series before, but what I tend to find is that the word chosen each month not only inspires a piece of writing, but it serves as a touch point of reflection throughout the month. Even once the post is published, I’m left with the idea turning and spinning and shifting in the recesses of my brain.

Like with gratitude, it made me more aware of all of the ways that I could build a network of gratitude practice in my daily life. Or with vulnerability, I began to notice all of the ways in which my patients are vulnerable with me – and it made me more sensitive to their openness. Or with change, I reflected all month on how each change brings with it a sense of loss – and discovery.

The same was true for this month’s word – pain. The series brought pain to the forefront of my awareness. I’m certainly no stranger to pain – my own and others’ – but laying it out front and center was a powerful experience for me. I noticed it’s changing shapes. I observed its depth and intensity. I watched it ebb and flow.

To be honest, I didn’t like it so much.

But I survived.

And that is the beauty in pain. It shows up, plops itself in front of us, makes us take a good hard look, and then it’s replaced by another feeling (or word of the month). It’s often temporary, but in its short stay can teach us more than we could ever expect.

I know I learned a great deal from the brave writers who offered their own reflections on this difficult topic. I am sure that you will too, so please take a peek at what they’ve shared:

Taron at Mind, Body, & Scroll talks about pain as a great teacher, courageously sharing her own story.

Margarita at Weightless beautifully explains how the problem with pain actually comes down to trust.

Over on Virtual Web Writer, we learn of the pain that comes from words and the way we use them.

Melanee at Looking in the Mirror shares how emotional and physical pain has shaped her life.

My own post here on NTS is about letting pain wash over us.

Vic Magary reminds us that pain signals growth.

The Dandelion Girl explains just how much power there is in experiencing painful emotions.

Mara at Medicinal Marzipan shares how she learned to say enough is enough, and stop eating her pain.

The witty and wise Debbie Scribble reminds us that pain means we’re, thankfully, not dead yet.

Thought you had surmounted pain? Learn about how Shanna at the Change Catalyst learned from her suffering.

Thanks to everyone who participated, even if you did not do so publicly! And thanks a million to Shannon for selecting an amazing word (and just being a really cool lady!).

Please contact me at nourishingthesoulblog@gmail.com or comment below if you are interested in hosting the SDWW series.