Only someone who has survived some really good mistakes, or walked through horrendous tragedy can appreciate the gift that pain can bring.  When I first heard of this idea, I slammed the door in vicious scoffing.  Who wants pain!?!?  Not me!

But then I found myself almost drowning in pain–of my own doing.  Only with weeks and months of realizing I was not going to die from the pain, that each morning sitting on the side of my bed and finding myself breathing–for no apparent purpose–did I recognize I had to move forward.

I’m not a proponent of pain, but I do now see that it is a pathway to transformation, even peace.  The trick is that I didn’t die.  I could try drinking or obsessing until I died, but the idea of reincarnation scared me.  Killing myself and waking up to the same kind of living hell would be worse.

These days I make friends with pain.  Since it’s there in my heart or body, I invite a conversation.  After whining and complaining and anger and the core of fear, it opens my heart to even more faith.  Pain is the body talking.  However now we have a three-way conversation with the Divine Presence.  She always comforts and soothes the earth-bound part of me and reminds me of the brilliant light shining through all pain.