Transforming and Transcending Pain and Suffering…and, Learning about their Roots, Beliefs and Patterns
Gerald W. Vest, LISW, LMT
“Genuine suffering can touch our hearts honestly to show us our need for greater knowledge. But, in order to benefit from its instruction, we need to look beyond painful experiences and transform the patterns that caused them. Of what value is our present education—in the largest sense—if it does not teach us how to do this? If it does not teach us to be free of suffering and pain?” (Tarthang Tulku, Knowledge of Freedom and Time to Change)
We can all identify with the experiences of pain and suffering, however, our Vets, Returning Warriors and Families serving in the Military from over a decade of wars have experienced excessive and extreme pressure--stress, anxiety and depression.
As Professor Tulku so wisely describes, “…we need to look beyond painful experiences and transform the patterns that caused them” into healthy learning opportunities, interaction and relationships. Patterns of conditioning have their roots in the early moments of life. Once born, our education is focused on learning to secure our safety and security while guided by our “Self Preservation Instinct” (Oscar Ichazo, Between Metaphysics and Protoanalysis)—joining our being with a society established with historical beliefs about how to be, live and relate with one another and with Mother Nature. Mommy and others, hopefully have open arms and hearts to greet us and welcome us into our new home and social environment.
This “Self Preservation Instinct,” not unlike the “Relation’s Instinct and Adaptation Instinct” are always seeking a successful, healthy response or answer to a “Living Question” as introduced by Ichazo:
STRESS is the Result.
3) 3. The Adaptation Instinct, physically related to Brain and Nervous System, must answer successfully the question about “Doing”—"What am I Doing?" Thinking-Reasoning-Analyzing-Interpreting reality in our heads can be overwhelming and produces activity—internal chatter that often appears and creates confusion and a host of inhabitants related to senses, association, questions, concerns, without awareness or mindfulness.
DDEPRESSION is the Result when we can not calm or quiet the Mind.
UPractice our breathing strategies, movement exercises and other forms of meditation to balance our whole being without pain and suffering.
So when can our Instincts, our Insecurities, and our life experiences lead us toward our realization, our uniqueness and our purpose for being without this Pain and Suffering? And, what must I do to transcend and transform this pain and suffering into health and resilience?
Start this Journey with a professional or individual Self-Care Plan as introduced on my webpage. Our Health Promotion Team is here to guide and help you through this pain and suffering with Integrative and Holistic Health Services. http://jerryvestinjuredwarrior.com