On the Impermanence of Pain (and Comfort)

"Above All Shadows Rides the Sun"

“Remember that pain has this most excellent quality. If prolonged it cannot be severe, and if severe, it cannot be prolonged.”

Seneca

Pain is the price we pay to live. From mild pains, such as a light headache, to the most severe pain imaginable, such as stubbing your toe (I’m only half joking), pain is ever-present in our daily lives. There are also what we may call “spiritual pains”. That is, the heartbreak we feel after a break-up, or the shame we feel after doing something unwise. We will discuss this latter type of pain in this article.

This Too Shall Pass

One of the most paradoxically beautiful yet burdensome truths is that of impermanence. Christians will often say that “this too shall pass”. This is true of the pleasant times, when we are feeling harmonious in our lives, as well as of the unpleasant times, when we are suffering to some degree.