Learning to Deal with Tough Times: What No One Has Told You About Pain

- By Nik Hill

At this point, you have probably read or heard a million times “Things will get better.” You have no doubt tried breathing exercises and the Tinkerbell method of thinking happy thoughts, but to no avail. Well, I am not going to sugar coat your day with lemon drop phrases because I would rather tell you the truth.

You need this experience. Wherever you are and whatever you are dealing with, it is happening for a reason.

We live in a world where most people are so focused on the positive end that we forget about the benefits of the negative in between. Instead of rushing to the top of the mountain appreciate the strenuous steps you are taking to get there. Right now you are waiting for this to end and when it does you will still be waiting; unable to turn off your ticking internal clock.

Stop waiting out the bad and embrace it. There are no diamonds without pressure. Forget that society tells you to focus on the good and to find a silver lining. How will you gain heavenly peace without first knowing hell’s chaos? The sun will only shine as hard as the storm before it. Change your perspective.

The bad is the silver lining because it is what makes you stronger.

Open yourself up to the idea that pain is a vital aspect of life. Who has ever gained strength without it?

Accepting your hardship and learning to be grateful for it, no matter how difficult, will aid in helping you cope. Let the burden consume you and realize that our distinct ability to experience pain as conscious beings is what makes life beautiful.  What you take away from your specific problem will provide you with the power to leave your very own fingerprint on this world. Only you can tell us your story.

So how do you do it? How do you teach yourself to get up and tackle the beast that has stolen sleep and kept you from smiling?

First, close your eyes and allow yourself to feel everything that your particular complication would have you feel, whether it be anxiety, stress or agony. Stop fighting and indulge. Use your minds eye to visualize yourself sucking in all the hurt and hold it there.

Then, just before you explode, push it out by crying, screaming or painting. Do whatever you need to do to release this stress.

When you’re done, meditate on the obstacle at hand and give your revelation permission to sink in. Your plight is uniquely crafting you into your future self. Let your appreciation for this adversity grow into love.

Now I’m going to tell you that you are kick ass and you can handle this. So get up and stand, right in the middle of your storm and allow peace to overwhelm your entire being. Namaste.

Photo Cred: Nik Hill