A Gnostic Way to Deal with Pain - (1680)

Sometimes Pain Hits

Some times we feel pain, whether it be physical pain or psychological pain. There is a way to deal with it that is better than others. 

This post is a very short description of how we may deal with pain.

Aversion No - Mindfullness Yes

Gnosis would say not to reject the pain nor avoid it. But rather feel it mindfully. This takes away the psychological dimension of pain which is difficult in itself and does not help in making the physical pain any easier to deal with.

Avoiding pain or having an attitude that we shouldn't be feeling it or that we have to be very strong or that our Being will relieve it or that this or that etc. does not make the pain go away and actually makes our experience of the pain much worse.

Attitudes of aversion actually begin to engage the flight or fight function of our instinctive centre. Which creates all sorts of tension and other very uncomfortable symptoms. 

We can't make the pain go away sometimes but accepting it, and putting our awareness into it in a humble and natural way that is inquisitive and kind makes a big difference. Then we can do certain petitions and prayers asking for help without the desperation, panic and anxiety.

We can do this with the psychological pain that we feel, for example with the terribly uncomfortable psychological flavours, such as emptiness, loneliness etc. and even with physical pain.

End (1680).