📖 Current Read; 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living — Ryan Holiday
Dealing With Pain
The Daily Stoic Meditation for September 18th outlines that you can deal with pain.
Pain is not something to be ashamed of.
Pain is not unbearable.
You are strong, you can defeat anything.
Photo by Oliver Cole on Unsplash
“Whenever you suffer pain, keep in mind that it’s nothing to be ashamed of and that it can’t degrade your guiding intelligence, nor keep it from acting rationally and for the common good. And in most cases you should be helped by the saying of Epicurus, that pain is never unbearable or unending, so you can remember these limits and not add to them in your imagination. Remember too that many common annoyances are pain in disguise, such as sleepiness, fever and loss of appetite. When they start to get you down, tell yourself you are giving in to pain.”
— MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 7.64
Nothing To Be Ashamed Of
Pain is nothing to be ashamed of.
Pain, suffering and ache is nothing to be ashamed of.
Many have the wrongful notion that pain is something to hide, or something to fear.
However, this is entirely wrong.
Pain is not a bad thing — do not be ashamed of your struggles.
Pain Is Never Unbearable
Further, remember that pain is never unbearable.
Pain is never forever, it is always only temporary.
Pain is never unbearable.
Pain is never too much.
In the moment, it may seem very difficult to manage.
However, you have great inner strength.
Pain is never too much.
Recognise Your Strength
Recognise your strength.
In dire situations and moments of great pain, do not forget your strength.
You have greatness within you.
You have a great inner strength.
You are courageous, strong and determined.
Do not forget this.
Idea of the Week. 💭
Outlining how pain is necessary for growth.
No Pain, No Gain
No pain, no gain.
This is quite a vague phrase — you will not grow and develop if you do not engage in difficulties.
You need difficult things.
You need to be challenged.
You need obstacles to face and battles to fight.
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This means that you can train and face the hard things.
You can gain the relevant experience and build up endurance, among other great virtues.
Pain builds your character, and you can grow and develop.
All Necessary
All of the pain is necessary.
All of the challenges are necessary.
All of the trials are necessary.
All the battles are necessary.
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Everything works to shape you into the best version of yourself.
All of the trials work to encourage you to grow and advance.
All of the difficulties train you for bigger and better things.
Do not shy away from difficulty, for it is necessary.
Quote of the Week. 🗣
Dalai Lama on compassion.
“If you want to help others, practice compassion. But if you’re going to help yourself, practice compassion.”
To end, here’s a question from me! ⚡️
How can you be more compassionate towards yourself?
Thanks for reading!
Until next week,
Sam. 😆
