Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Self-Centeredness of Pain

Have you ever had a throbbing tooth ache,
or a sore big toe?

If so, you know that you can't think
about anything else but
that tooth or that toe.

You become self-absorbed-
the world revolves around your pain.

But, when your trip to the dentist
has been successful,
or that toe is functioning well,
you forget your pain
and go on with life.

But, when a friend says to you,
"Oh, my tooth aches,
my toe is killing me,"
you can know almost exactly
how they feel.

If you denied your own pain
and pretended it wasn't there,
you would be of no help to someone else
when they are experiencing discomfort.

You'd say, "Buck up. Don't be a wimp."
You'd add burden to their sorrow.

The self-awareness of your own pain
 helps you to be generous and kind to others in trouble.

 And you can be a comfort to them
 instead of making them feel worse.


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