10 Spiritual Tools for Coping with Chronic Pain - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

**historyteach** · 01-06-2008, 09:14 AM

I received this in my email today, from Beliefnet.com. Although I don't know if anyone here suffers from chronic pain, I wanted to share it with you all....it's good information for many things that ail us.

10 Spiritual Tools for Coping with Chronic Pain

By Maureen Pratt

Chronic pain can make us feel isolated and helpless, especially if its cause is an illness or physical condition for which there's no cure or effective medical treatment. At times of deepest despair, finding ways to nurture our spirits can help us not only cope with the pain, but also discover nuggets of grace, comfort, and productivity that can move us through and beyond the helplessness and hopelessness we feel. Here are ten spiritual tools that can help you get started toward peace in spite of and in the midst of pain.

Find Quiet

When we are in great pain, finding true peace and comfort is not easy. But it is possible, if we first try to still our worries and fears, both external and internal. Finding a place where there are no noisy distractions is a great start. Enjoying the outward quiet, we can then calm our inner selves and nurture peace within.

Just Breathe

The act of breathing is not only a physical process, but it can also be a tool to move our pain, negative thoughts, and worry out of our bodies and hearts, replacing these with a better sense of self. In a quiet place, breathe in slowly and deeply, then let the breath out, expelling stress and pain with it. Feel the sharpness of pain subside as relaxation and calm take its place.

Listen to Music

A beautiful piece of music can inspire our spirits and soothe our pain like no other sound. It can also help us get in touch with the absolute joy of living, even if we live with severe pain. Put on your favorite piece of music - instrumental or vocal - sit back, and close your eyes. Let the music carry you away from your immediate pain to a place of calm.

Lose Yourself in Prayer

So often when we pray, we ask for relief from our pain and leave it at that. Perhaps more effective when pain is oppressive is lifting up our pain and then resting quietly with the comfort that our concerns are being tended to by One greater that ourselves - and we do not have to take them back again.

Reflect in Nature

Pain can isolate us and make us feel very much alone. But in reality, we are part of an amazing world. A walk in the outdoors, a glance outside at a garden, a quiet moment with a beloved pet - each of these things can renew our sense of belonging to the world, help us to feel less alone in our pain, and make us grateful for our lives among such wonder.

Laugh More

Pain itself is no laughing matter, but the act of laughing can be physically and spiritually healing. It helps us breathe deeply, cleanses tense pain from our bodies, gives key muscles beneficial exercise, and lets us travel to an uplifting place of joy. Whether it's a joke, a cartoon, or the antics of a pet, find laughter and enjoy it often!

Reach Out to Others

When we are in pain, it can be easy to feel as if no one cares. But there are many in the world who feel the same thing - and we can make a difference in our lives and in others' lives by reaching out in comfort and care. A phone call to a hurting friend, a visit to someone in need, even an email to an online support group - all of these can help us become less isolated, and help others in the process.

Live in the Light

It's easy for our souls to be flooded with darkness when pain is sharp and overwhelming. We can combat this darkness by bringing on light. The flicker of a candle, the warm glow of one small lamp illuminating a dark room - light can help focus thoughts and bring comfort. Even in the darkness, be conscious of the light all around, and let it guide you to greater calm.

Take Care of Yourself

Often, there is no cure for what causes our pain. This can make us feel as if our lives are out of control. But the better we take care of ourselves, the more we will feel at least a little control over our circumstances - and our attitude toward pain. Taking time to follow a healthful regimen reflects on our spiritual health, too, and gives us a chance to rise above our pain and feel better - inside and out.

Never Lose Hope

Each day, there are new developments in medicine and in therapies to ease pain, inside and out. Hope is not just a feeling that things will be better - it is a tangible tool to motivate and guide us through the frustrations that accompany pain into positive actions that can make our lives better now and in the future. Without hope, our spirits wither. With hope, as with the Creator, all things are possible!

Maureen Pratt is a speaker and author who focuses on spirituality, faith and wellness. Her most recent book is "Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness" (Doubleday Religion). Her website is Maureen Pratt, Author and Speaker - Home.

I suffer from chronic back pain; some days are worse than others, but, it's always there. I am aware of some of the following, and have used them to my relief. Others are new to me, and I intend to start trying them. Afterall, nothing here can hurt, and they may help!

I hope you find some comfort and peace with these suggestions.

Shalom!

Fluttering · 01-08-2008, 10:21 AM

Teach

Thank You so very much.. I have already made my own copy as well as sent it on to others.

Hugs

Rusty Zipper · 01-08-2008, 06:58 PM

teach, will pass this on to nan!

whats anyone got to loose by try'n!

**historyteach** · 01-08-2008, 08:39 PM

Please give her my love, Pattee!

Shalom!

**nandm** · 01-08-2008, 08:51 PM

Thank you. I found beliefnet.com several years ago. They definately have some good information.

holistichealing · 01-09-2008, 05:49 PM

I found energy healing works well and drinking plenty of water.

**historyteach** · 01-10-2008, 06:25 PM

holistichealing;
Water is essential for life. I agree!

Judith,
I love beliefnet! I can get lost in it if I allow myself to do so!

L'Chaim!
(To Life!)

Rusty Zipper · 01-10-2008, 06:57 PM

teach

Quote:

Please give her my love, Pattee!

she realy remembers you from then!

nan said to say hello, and we had a great talk about this subject...

shes got 7 out'a 10... were working on the rest! lol

shalom!

**historyteach** · 01-20-2008, 01:30 PM

Pattee, I was looking for something yesterday, on my IM archive.
And I came across a time I was chatting with Nan...
And also one with Trish...
It was a bittersweet moment, but, one I'm glad I got to relive.

It's nice Nan remembered me. We never met personally.
I do hope her pain is eased...

Shalom!

Rusty Zipper · 01-20-2008, 07:04 PM

oh, yeah, she knew in a instant teach!

teach, it aint eased, she has a great pain management doc tho...

and i have to say... she's follow'n directions!

also, most of whats on your list...

shes do'n real good...

i cant believe you saved IM's from that long ago... wow!

xxoo

pattee

01-06-2008, 09:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	10 Spiritual Tools for Coping with Chronic Pain I received this in my email today, from Beliefnet.com. Although I don't know if anyone here suffers from chronic pain, I wanted to share it with you all....it's good information for many things that ail us. 10 Spiritual Tools for Coping with Chronic Pain By Maureen Pratt Chronic pain can make us feel isolated and helpless, especially if its cause is an illness or physical condition for which there's no cure or effective medical treatment. At times of deepest despair, finding ways to nurture our spirits can help us not only cope with the pain, but also discover nuggets of grace, comfort, and productivity that can move us through and beyond the helplessness and hopelessness we feel. Here are ten spiritual tools that can help you get started toward peace in spite of and in the midst of pain. Find Quiet When we are in great pain, finding true peace and comfort is not easy. But it is possible, if we first try to still our worries and fears, both external and internal. Finding a place where there are no noisy distractions is a great start. Enjoying the outward quiet, we can then calm our inner selves and nurture peace within. Just Breathe The act of breathing is not only a physical process, but it can also be a tool to move our pain, negative thoughts, and worry out of our bodies and hearts, replacing these with a better sense of self. In a quiet place, breathe in slowly and deeply, then let the breath out, expelling stress and pain with it. Feel the sharpness of pain subside as relaxation and calm take its place. Listen to Music A beautiful piece of music can inspire our spirits and soothe our pain like no other sound. It can also help us get in touch with the absolute joy of living, even if we live with severe pain. Put on your favorite piece of music - instrumental or vocal - sit back, and close your eyes. Let the music carry you away from your immediate pain to a place of calm. Lose Yourself in Prayer So often when we pray, we ask for relief from our pain and leave it at that. Perhaps more effective when pain is oppressive is lifting up our pain and then resting quietly with the comfort that our concerns are being tended to by One greater that ourselves - and we do not have to take them back again. Reflect in Nature Pain can isolate us and make us feel very much alone. But in reality, we are part of an amazing world. A walk in the outdoors, a glance outside at a garden, a quiet moment with a beloved pet - each of these things can renew our sense of belonging to the world, help us to feel less alone in our pain, and make us grateful for our lives among such wonder. Laugh More Pain itself is no laughing matter, but the act of laughing can be physically and spiritually healing. It helps us breathe deeply, cleanses tense pain from our bodies, gives key muscles beneficial exercise, and lets us travel to an uplifting place of joy. Whether it's a joke, a cartoon, or the antics of a pet, find laughter and enjoy it often! Reach Out to Others When we are in pain, it can be easy to feel as if no one cares. But there are many in the world who feel the same thing - and we can make a difference in our lives and in others' lives by reaching out in comfort and care. A phone call to a hurting friend, a visit to someone in need, even an email to an online support group - all of these can help us become less isolated, and help others in the process. Live in the Light It's easy for our souls to be flooded with darkness when pain is sharp and overwhelming. We can combat this darkness by bringing on light. The flicker of a candle, the warm glow of one small lamp illuminating a dark room - light can help focus thoughts and bring comfort. Even in the darkness, be conscious of the light all around, and let it guide you to greater calm. Take Care of Yourself Often, there is no cure for what causes our pain. This can make us feel as if our lives are out of control. But the better we take care of ourselves, the more we will feel at least a little control over our circumstances - and our attitude toward pain. Taking time to follow a healthful regimen reflects on our spiritual health, too, and gives us a chance to rise above our pain and feel better - inside and out. Never Lose Hope Each day, there are new developments in medicine and in therapies to ease pain, inside and out. Hope is not just a feeling that things will be better - it is a tangible tool to motivate and guide us through the frustrations that accompany pain into positive actions that can make our lives better now and in the future. Without hope, our spirits wither. With hope, as with the Creator, all things are possible! Maureen Pratt is a speaker and author who focuses on spirituality, faith and wellness. Her most recent book is "Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness" (Doubleday Religion). Her website is Maureen Pratt, Author and Speaker - Home. I suffer from chronic back pain; some days are worse than others, but, it's always there. I am aware of some of the following, and have used them to my relief. Others are new to me, and I intend to start trying them. Afterall, nothing here can hurt, and they may help! I hope you find some comfort and peace with these suggestions. Shalom! __________________

01-08-2008, 10:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Fluttering Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fluttering About Posts: 2,698	Teach Thank You so very much.. I have already made my own copy as well as sent it on to others. Hugs __________________

01-08-2008, 06:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rusty Zipper Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: my room in ct. Posts: 12,209	teach, will pass this on to nan! whats anyone got to loose by try'n! __________________ *Rule 62*

01-08-2008, 08:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	Please give her my love, Pattee! Shalom! __________________

01-08-2008, 08:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
nandm Life the gift of recovery! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Home is where the heart is Posts: 4,898	Thank you. I found beliefnet.com several years ago. They definately have some good information. __________________ NOTE: All Big Book quotes are from the First Edition of the Big Book History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again. - Maya Angelou

01-09-2008, 05:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
holistichealing Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2	I found energy healing works well and drinking plenty of water.

01-10-2008, 06:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	holistichealing; Water is essential for life. I agree! Judith, I love beliefnet! I can get lost in it if I allow myself to do so! L'Chaim! (To Life!) __________________

01-20-2008, 01:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 8,061	Pattee, I was looking for something yesterday, on my IM archive. And I came across a time I was chatting with Nan... And also one with Trish... It was a bittersweet moment, but, one I'm glad I got to relive. It's nice Nan remembered me. We never met personally. I do hope her pain is eased... Shalom! __________________

01-20-2008, 07:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Rusty Zipper Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: my room in ct. Posts: 12,209	oh, yeah, she knew in a instant teach! teach, it aint eased, she has a great pain management doc tho... and i have to say... she's follow'n directions! also, most of whats on your list... shes do'n real good... i cant believe you saved IM's from that long ago... wow! xxoo pattee __________________ *Rule 62*

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