Part of our human condition is to avoid pain and seek pleasure.  Whether the pain is physical or emotional and regardless of what is causing it (accident, illness or other), we want to stop the pain immediately.  To evade pain is part of our safety mechanism and immediate attention and action is needed, especially when faced with dangerous life and death situations.

Even thought we all react this way, sometimes to deal with physical or emotional pain requires more attention than just seeking a "quick fix" in a bottle of pills.  Have you ever considered that perhaps underneath all the pain there is a message for you?  Would you like to know the benefits the pain is offering you?

If we recognize that we are an integrated system in which our minds interact and affect our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies, we could realize that physical and emotional pain can have its source at a deeper level.  They could be the manifestation of unresolved emotions, mental stress or a sense of spiritual disconnection.

Pain could be linked to beliefs and changes of beliefs about oneself, the nature of one's relationships with others, with all creation and especially with the self.  Even pain caused by an accident could have valuable information about what prompted the accident to happen.  Consider someone breaking a knee.  The injured knee could be sending the message that this person is too rigid in his beliefs and doesn't want to "bend" by accepting other's opinions or considering modern alternatives.

If we also recognize that true healing is holistic, since it considers all parts of the whole and deals with the source of imbalance, rather than only relieving the symptoms, uncovering the message underneath the pain can lead us to heal its cause.  Our body has an innate wisdom and carries vital information about our well-being.  If there's any disruption threatening our well-being, our body will let us know by sending messages that we might ignore or deny at first.  The body will continue alerting us until the message can't be ignored anymore because the pain has a loud voice.

For instance, if you have been having recurring neck aches, you might think that you slept in an uncomfortable position, or your pillow is too low or too high, or you were exercising too hard.  Whatever is causing the pain, you will usually choose an answer that fits with your beliefs and doesn't require to much of your attention.  Your immediate response might be to take a pill to kill the pain.  The pain goes away for few days, and then comes back.  You take more pills or seek medical attention, ignoring that your body wants to tell you something through the pain.  The pain could become chronic.

Would you consider that perhaps your neck has been carrying too much weight?  Are you spending too much time in your head?   Is your head too heavy and cluttered with your thoughts?  Listen to your body and discover the message behind your pain in the neck.

A few years ago, I was having recurring lower back pain.  Of course, I took muscle relaxers and painkillers, I used cold and hot pads, I went to the chiropractor and I had massages.  Everything helped to diminish the pain, but not to remove it.  Then I read somewhere that worrying about lack of money will manifest as lower back pain in the body.  I thought about it, I reviewed my money situation and I visualized myself attracting abundance.  The pain was still present.

While in meditation, I discovered that my lower back represented the foundation of my beliefs about my capability to have my own business.  Yes, I was worried about having a holistic practice rather than an office job and a regular paycheck.  I recognized my business foundation was weak based on unhealthy thoughts and feelings of fear and doubt.  I received a clear picture of a weak foundation where a beautiful building will be constructed.  This foundation was not going to be able to hold the building and would collapse if not structured properly.  I needed to change my 'beliefs" to have my business structure well built!

As I did deep inner work, I was able to understand my body's messages.  Most importantly, I understood the benefits of this pain because it took me into a journey of self-discovery.  I discovered all all the self-imposed obstacles I was creating in my mind  and how vital it was for me to offer my services through my holistic practice. I had the choice to continue with the pain or to focus my attention on fulfilling my heart's desires.

Similar to physical pain, we also tend to suppress emotional pain with the use of medications.  I realize that in some cases medication might be necessary to control any chemical imbalance in the brain.  Nevertheless, it is wise to identify and accept the root of what is causing anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks or depression.  Remember, something caused you to feel this way and you allowed this "something" which could be a person or a circumstance, to be in charge of your life and determine how you feel.  The damage can be undone, and what remains with you is the wisdom of every experience.

Mariscela Alvarez is a Certified Holistic Hypnotherapist, Shamanic Healing and Reiki Practitioner. She does private sessions in Auburn and remote sessions through phone or the web. She offers lectures, workshops and classes, relaxation and self-help CDs in English and Spanish. You can contact Mariscela at (530) 863-0003. Visit her at www.fyspirit.com and claim your special “gift”.  Mention this article and you will receive a “Special Discount” on your first session.