“Pain is part of Life. Suffering is Optional” – Tony Robbins

Just try to tell me that didn’t jab you even a little bit…

I believe that quote to be of life’s utmost truths, whether prescribed to physical or emotional pain.

I was in my early 30’s when the concept of addressing Chronic Pain Patterns came into my awareness. (This was well before I became a Massage Therapist, by the way.) The model around pain that I was raised with was a vigilant dose of the “Shake it off” variety. And a doctor of course, though the absolute last resort, was the one to do the fixing. It would be a doctor, followed by a pill, followed by either suffering or surgery, but all of it would center around the concept that the healing was in someone else’s control.

For nearly a decade I battled with debilitating low back pain. I’ve experienced Nerve pain to a degree that made each and every breath nearly excruciating. And the icing on the cake is of course, Natural Childbirth. Which to be fair, was entirely my choice. Still it paints a good frame of reference.

I know pain.

I also know suffering.
The game all changed once I understood that there is a profound difference between the two. Suffering is hiding behind the fear of addressing whatever it is that hurts. It’s believing that the ability to address, or resolve pain, to heal- is outside of yourself and control. Which on some level stems from believing that you should not be experiencing pain at all.

But Pain is information.

Did you know physical pain is the very last indicator of muscular dysfunction? Your body goes to great lengths to protect you from pain. It will use other muscles to compensate and keep you moving. And there are thousands of studies that prove the psychological connection to pain is real.

Eastern Philosophies also believe that pain and illness stems completely from Spiritual or Emotional pain.
“Remember, If You’re not Speaking it, You’re Storing it, and that gets heavy.” – Anonymous

Pain is an indication that we need to take action. And starts by getting present. Close your eyes. Allow your jaw, your shoulders, your hands, belly and breath to soften. What information is your body trying to tell you, and where?