The author reflects on their experience with chronic pain and illness, highlighting the challenge of balancing the acceptance of pain with societal pressures to remain positive. They share their journey of spiritual awakening, noting the importance of recognizing and honoring current emotional experiences rather than suppressing them in pursuit of health and happiness. Influenced by Tara Brach's teachings, the author emphasizes the significance of staying present with one's pain as a path to authentic self-understanding and growth.
Can I sit with suffering, both yours and mine, without trying to make it go away? Can I stay present to the ache of loss or disgrace-disappointment in all its many forms-and let it open me?
While there is merit to both positive thinking and manifesting health, it can feel like society views pain or chronic illness as a sign of doing something wrong.
I found myself in that stream of thought subconsciously. It wasn't until I heard a teaching by Tara Brach, in which she spoke about the importance of honoring the reality of what is, that I became aware of it.
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