Hello Sweet Love, 

Deep within the realm of pain lies profound wisdom, a language that encompasses the creative forces of both life and death.

Pain is a complex experience with many layers, and its wisdom is not always readily apparent. In fact, it often seems quite the opposite. When pain arises, it has the power to penetrate our very core, urging us to bear witness. Yet, our rational minds simultaneously seek to detach and distance ourselves from the source of pain, longing for it to depart as swiftly as it arrived.

At times, escaping from pain has been an automatic, subconscious response born out of survival. We have disconnected from our bodies because it felt impossible to endure otherwise. In this process, we have developed coping mechanisms, adaptations, survival strategies, and ways to numb ourselves. We have stored the pain in places & parts of ourselves that had to undergo a metaphorical death in attempts to contain & keep it from spreading or overwhelming us, because the fractures it caused were so great. 

So much of our internal space, filled with unmoving pain. Unable to create anything else from this space but stagnating pain.

In many ways, our relationship with the creative energy of pain has manifested as a loss of inner unity & perpetuated by fear, keeping us disconnected from our true selves. Throughout history, the individual & collective masses have lacked the support and tools needed to confront our pain. Instead, fear & mistrust of self has been reinforced and perpetuated this cycle, resulting in the birth of destruction from within.

This creation dynamic has been passed down through generations and has played out in countless ways in our own lives. We have witnessed and experienced it on personal, communal, societal, and governmental levels. It continues to manifest, distorting the creation energy of pain through birth and death in unsustainable ways. It creates life & death, but from a place that distorts and dishonors the sacredness of life within all beings.  

The current approach of this operating system in dealing with pain is limited to offering temporary solutions, like band-aids. It fails to acknowledge the intricate connection between an individual's body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The reality is these systemic dis-eases have persisted for far too long, and they are not working. The current narrative of pain creation and destruction has been wearing us down and is inherently unsustainable.

Within the bearing of this pain lies the potential for birthing something new.  As Charlotte Joko Beck wisely said, "We have to face the pain we have been running from. In fact, we need to learn to rest in it and let its searing power transform us."

Pain is always inviting us to reflect on how and what we will create from it. 

It serves as a spotlight, illuminating the areas where miscommunication and disconnection exist within a system. It acts as a signal, alerting us to potential dangers or threats that require our attention and care. By forcing us to pay attention, pain encourages us to prioritize self-care, seek support, and make the necessary adjustments to our lifestyle and habits. It prompts us to address the underlying issues and make positive changes for our well-being and growth.  It pushes us out of our comfort zones and encourages us to explore new possibilities.

Sometimes, it's not about making the pain disappear or vanish completely. Instead, it involves setting up new systems and communication channels within ourselves & with others. It is crucial to examine our relationship with these creations. 

We must reflect on the pains of the past and draw lessons from them. 

What can we learn from this pain?

How can we create systems that effectively hold space and provide support for various types of pain - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual?

Are the existing systems in place still relevant and effective? Are they working as intended?

Pain asks us to identify what is missing and explore ways to create and implement new solutions.

In order to create lasting change, it is important to start by making internal shifts within ourselves. The old ways of doing things will not transform unless we first change our own mindset and approach.  It all begins from within.

The pain we experience within ourselves is often mirrored in the pain we observe in the world around us. Our personal struggles and challenges can provide us with a deeper understanding and empathy for the pain that others may be going through.

By taking responsibility for our own growth and development, we have the power to shape and transform our experiences. By recognizing and acknowledging our own pain, we can develop a greater sense of compassion and connection to the pain that exists in the world. 

This is not about everyone having to share the same opinions or be identical in every way. Instead, it's about embracing a holistic approach that recognizes and values the diverse gifts, tools, perspectives, and beliefs that make up the entire ecosystem that allows for growth, collaboration, and collective progress.

 Pain is a reflection and reminder of this... there are limitless possibilities, and each of us possesses the potential for creative energy of life & death within us.   

 When we approach pain and fear with an open heart, we enable the energy to shift and flow, move and transform, rather than becoming trapped and stagnant.

This is the practice of love with discernment. How can we meet pain and fear & stay connected to the heart?

We must discern what truly needs to die, letting go of old forms and unsustainable systems of operation. To remember & reconnect to the love that remains at our core. The Essence of creation, that EVERY act of life & EVERY being is sacred. Within it, the ability to harness the creative power of our pain to bring about transformation. 

The question then becomes, what do we choose to do with this potential?

As Above, So Below

xxo

Jenn