I have recently come across an interesting observation. The areas that light up for both emotional and physical pain exist in similar parts of our brain – the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex to name a few. (David Roland PhD. Wise Brain Bulletin 15.1, 2021).
Our brain finds it hard to distinguish between the two. Yet emotional pain from loneliness, social rejection, relationship breakdown and grief is harder to observe in a person than the obvious signs of physical pain. When someone has a physical deficit we can see it in their facial expressions, limited movement, and observable wounds.
Pain is our bodies mechanism for us to stand up and take notice of a change happening in our bodies. As well as motivating us to reassess our physical well being it may also be giving us valuable lessons about how we are generally leading our lives.
I have a current physical injury to the ankle and calf of my left leg. I should have known better, trying a new sport on a tennis court called Pickle Ball, and rolling over my ankle. Not good for over 50’s I have been told. Since it happened I have spent time resting, elevating, and applying ice packs.
Just today reading my friend Bernie Ginnane’s @ The Willow Room beautiful March Newsletter I discovered she has also had a recent leg injury (and she knows of 5 women including ourselves who have done similar)! As women, we continue to enjoy challenging ourselves into our fifties and beyond but at times we forget that our bodies are not quite functioning the same as they were earlier in our lives.
We shared our reflections on what physical injury may have to teach us: –
- It forces us to stay still, accepting and observant to what is happening in the present moment. No longer able to be our usual active self we can choose to be introspective, more compassionate to ourselves and to be creative in place – writing, journaling, picking up a craft, reading.
- We begin to focus on self-nurture, prioritizing our needs and setting healthy boundaries around what we are currently capable of achieving.
- We can allow others to help, support and nurture us. A big one if we have been used to taking on the nurturing role for others. It gives us the opportunity to ask for help without feeling uncomfortable for doing so.
- A time for more meditation, research, stepping out of our usual ‘reality’ to learn something new.
- We learn how courageous and resilient we are. In addition we develop the patience to take the journey required to heal.
- It is accepting ourselves and our bodies exactly as we are. The age we are and the changes we are going through.
‘Patience is a strength not a weakness’
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Our beautiful private Facebook Group Healing the Matriarch community offered more insight: –
‘Just be patient, you can’t keep a good Zumba Queen down for long’ – Glenda.
‘Slow down and smell the roses as you heal. While I recovered from my injuries I learnt to have true empathy for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Once I would have considered them a hindrance. I had a long recovery both physically and emotionally, but so many positives were found on my journey’ – Karen.
‘During my recent injury I have needed to stop, rest, pause, accept, surrender and be at peace with each moment of my healing. It has certainly been a productive time’ – Bernie.
‘It’s time to slow down and listen to your body more. A previous physical injury of mine led to many wonderfully kind strangers helping in lots of ways.’ Anthea
‘Injury can be a reminder to focus on the task at hand, slow down and breathe in the minute’. – Ann
Experiencing physical and emotional pain is a universal given in our lives. Our injuries normally heal over time. Experiencing them gives the opportunity for unique life lessons not ordinarily available to us. It also forces us to slow down and reassess how we traverse our life – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. With your own experiences of physical pain and healing what can you add to the list of possible lessons?
