I remember a buddy saying once that pain was evidence that he was still alive -- proof that he existed. But you're right that there are many different kinds and that those of us who have learned to push our physical limits sometimes lose track of which kinds are good for us. Hope you rebound soon!
Pain is such a teacher. I loved this line: “I can smile to myself in deception, knowing that while the rest of the world sees one of those normal people, I get to know the pleasure of deviance again.”
Bingo. There’s a rebel inside that quiet exterior ☺️
Self-care is an important thing, and we're right to question the relentless pace of hustle culture, but this is still very real. "Other times it’s a method of transcendence, a beacon showing me I am not my body nor this pain but more." As you pointed out, there's a difference between self-created pain and the willingness to embrace life as it is, rather than looking for escape routes from organically occurring pain. To open oneself to it the way you describe has dignity and nobility.
And I’m wondering if it’s a pain you choose vs a pain that chooses you vs a pain that outright attacks you and by surprise. Like you described, the pain of hard work feels honorable and earned, a war buddy. The pain that is born from lessons that must be learned, a wise sage, also appreciated in time. But the pain that attacks, that pain feels foreign, alien, not of this universe. That pain scares the shit out of me, requires heavy meditation to battle, and is the sweetest relief when it finally retreats. If and when chronic pain arrives at my doorstep, I hope I can welcome him with the courage (and even desire!) you so eloquently describe here!
Yes, Latham. I understand. I do, I do, I absolutely do. Love how you put this into words today. Only one problem with this piece: which friggin’ quote to use as the restack. 🤣🤪🤓
Gorgeous, Latham: "I had to learn to enjoy pain. I’m still learning. Not the inflicting of pain; I despise hurting other people. I don’t even like hurting myself. I don’t want to break my own bones, cut myself simply to feel something. No, not that kind of pain. But the pain of hard work, the pain mixed with accomplishment and just a touch of pride. The pain of being able to endure, of being able to push myself, of love and longing and desire."
I remember a buddy saying once that pain was evidence that he was still alive -- proof that he existed. But you're right that there are many different kinds and that those of us who have learned to push our physical limits sometimes lose track of which kinds are good for us. Hope you rebound soon!
Endure and overcome. But it is a kind of hell. Strength
Brutal.. Which is meant as a compliment to the writing and best wishes that your bout of pain ends soon.
Pain is such a teacher. I loved this line: “I can smile to myself in deception, knowing that while the rest of the world sees one of those normal people, I get to know the pleasure of deviance again.”
Bingo. There’s a rebel inside that quiet exterior ☺️
Beautiful confession Latham. Reminded me of this poem from The Prophet on Pain:
“Much of your pain is self-chosen.
It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.
Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility:
For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.”
Self-care is an important thing, and we're right to question the relentless pace of hustle culture, but this is still very real. "Other times it’s a method of transcendence, a beacon showing me I am not my body nor this pain but more." As you pointed out, there's a difference between self-created pain and the willingness to embrace life as it is, rather than looking for escape routes from organically occurring pain. To open oneself to it the way you describe has dignity and nobility.
Wondering if, while you wrote these intense, poignant words, your pain retreated? Is writing a form of anesthesia, a balm, or a hallucinogen?
And I’m wondering if it’s a pain you choose vs a pain that chooses you vs a pain that outright attacks you and by surprise. Like you described, the pain of hard work feels honorable and earned, a war buddy. The pain that is born from lessons that must be learned, a wise sage, also appreciated in time. But the pain that attacks, that pain feels foreign, alien, not of this universe. That pain scares the shit out of me, requires heavy meditation to battle, and is the sweetest relief when it finally retreats. If and when chronic pain arrives at my doorstep, I hope I can welcome him with the courage (and even desire!) you so eloquently describe here!
Yes, Latham. I understand. I do, I do, I absolutely do. Love how you put this into words today. Only one problem with this piece: which friggin’ quote to use as the restack. 🤣🤪🤓
Gorgeous, Latham: "I had to learn to enjoy pain. I’m still learning. Not the inflicting of pain; I despise hurting other people. I don’t even like hurting myself. I don’t want to break my own bones, cut myself simply to feel something. No, not that kind of pain. But the pain of hard work, the pain mixed with accomplishment and just a touch of pride. The pain of being able to endure, of being able to push myself, of love and longing and desire."