Having all the answers doesn't ease the pain

[shivatar]

It's not a contradiction because I wasn't answering the unanswerable question I put forth. I was making a generalization

[A human Being]

Originally Posted by shivatar

It's not a contradiction because I wasn't answering the unanswerable question I put forth. I was making a generalization

I'm still confused.

[Cmt12]

I feel like this thread is scratching the surface of a universal truth. How about this idea:

Philosophies, belief systems, and coping strategies that we use as reassurance are entirely worthless when we are in the midst of pain.

For instance, we may have a meditation or breathing practice that we have incorporated into our daily routine; or we may even have a well thought out and developed belief system that provides an explanation for the problem of suffering that satisfies us. These things may give us peace of mind to move forward with our lives, but when we are once again inevitably in the midst of pain, none of that stuff matters in that moment. All that matters is our desire to never feel that pain again, and so everything is under judgment - our tactics, our strategies, our beliefs, etc.

Now, that moment passes quickly as the pain begins to gradually subside, so does our courage to change. With enough faith, we can decide to voluntarily put ourselves back into the midst of the pain, where we can be stripped of our beliefs in order to see things with fresh eyes. It's one of those contradictions of life - pain is the problem but also the location where the solution is found.

This forum is full of ideas and beliefs that are held in high regard. However, the next time you find yourself in the middle of the chaos of pain, if you are able to be conscious, ask yourself what value are your beliefs to you now.

[A human Being]

Originally Posted by Cmt12

I feel like this thread is scratching the surface of a universal truth. How about this idea:

Philosophies, belief systems, and coping strategies that we use as reassurance are entirely worthless when we are in the midst of pain.

For instance, we may have a meditation or breathing practice that we have incorporated into our daily routine; or we may even have a well thought out and developed belief system that provides an explanation for the problem of suffering that satisfies us. These things may give us peace of mind to move forward with our lives, but when we are once again inevitably in the midst of pain, none of that stuff matters in that moment. All that matters is our desire to never feel that pain again, and so everything is under judgment - our tactics, our strategies, our beliefs, etc.

Now, that moment passes quickly as the pain begins to gradually subside, so does our courage to change. With enough faith, we can decide to voluntarily put ourselves back into the midst of the pain, where we can be stripped of our beliefs in order to see things with fresh eyes. It's one of those contradictions of life - pain is the problem but also the location where the solution is found.

This forum is full of ideas and beliefs that are held in high regard. However, the next time you find yourself in the middle of the chaos of pain, if you are able to be conscious, ask yourself what value are your beliefs to you now.

Certainly, philosophies and beliefs go out the window when I'm in the midst of pain and suffering, but practices such as meditation and deep breathing do have value for me, because they help me to stay present with what I'm feeling, alleviate tension in the body, lessen the physical discomfort, and not get sucked into some mental drama or other (which is usually the reaction to the physical discomfort). I'm not saying it's easy, but it's far preferable to being completely overwhelmed by suffering.

[lemex]

Physical pain and non-physical pain use the same areas of the brains which is how they relate to each other, this is where having answers can help.

[Really!]

This is twofold in nature ...
Pain brings meaning - a lesson learned to never be forgotten - motivates people to find hope, skills/tools to cope w/the pain, power to overcome adversity ...
Secondly, answers provide a starting point to seek ways to resolve the issue (s) ...
If there is no answer to the issue - the pain, being the first part, can still be worked through & adjusted to make bearable ...
And you're right, pain is not eased from having the answers b/c pain is an internal hurricane w/a compass to lead you to acceptance of your answer (s) ...