Thank you, Judith. This is especially relevant as we all age. Pain is inevitable, psychological, emotional or physical. Distraction works temporarily, opiates work (but come with other consequences); getting a perspective on pain, as you offer here, may be the most helpful response. Helping someone whose pain is worse is my go to salve.
I especially appreciate your distinction between pain and suffering. A friend, who is physically disabled and experiences a lot of physical pain, always makes clear they are not suffering. Their PMA (positive mental attitude) keeps them from feeling they are suffering. I do worry sometimes that their stoicism may conceal the harsh truth of how much pain they live with.
Thanks for your thoughtful response. The distinction is useful, but we need to be careful about using it. Imagine someone blaming, or discounting, a suffering friend: "You need to change your attitude." And maybe there are degrees of pain, loss, disability where the distinction collapses -- or any kind of PMA is impossible at least for awhile.
Thank you, Judith. This is especially relevant as we all age. Pain is inevitable, psychological, emotional or physical. Distraction works temporarily, opiates work (but come with other consequences); getting a perspective on pain, as you offer here, may be the most helpful response. Helping someone whose pain is worse is my go to salve.
I especially appreciate your distinction between pain and suffering. A friend, who is physically disabled and experiences a lot of physical pain, always makes clear they are not suffering. Their PMA (positive mental attitude) keeps them from feeling they are suffering. I do worry sometimes that their stoicism may conceal the harsh truth of how much pain they live with.
Thanks for your thoughtful response. The distinction is useful, but we need to be careful about using it. Imagine someone blaming, or discounting, a suffering friend: "You need to change your attitude." And maybe there are degrees of pain, loss, disability where the distinction collapses -- or any kind of PMA is impossible at least for awhile.
This essay is particularly resonant with me, Judith. Thank you.