Pathways from Pain to Meaning

“We are all concerned with living on earth and carrying out the immense task of pouring pain—pouring love—through this star until it becomes transparent, permeated by our spoken and unspoken word—this secret writing with which we make an invisible universe readable for a divine eye.” — Nelly Sachs (1891–1970)

People today strive to live life as free of pain as possible, treating both physical pain and emotional suffering with a range of medical and other types of therapies. In our efforts to avoid pain, however, are we ignoring an important aspect of our human experience?

In this sensitive and thoughtful book, psychologist Iris Paxino explores various kinds of pain and the ways each can affect us—from the physical pain of illness and injury through emotional suffering caused by loss and deprivation to the spiritual pain experienced in moments of doubt and we struggle with the meaning of our lives.

Paxino also discusses the history of pain and the effects of chronic pain, as well as treatment methods that include behavioral techniques and anthroposophic therapies based on spiritual science.

Whereas pain should always be treated in some way, Paxino insists that when we learn to accept it as an inescapable part of human existence, we develop resilience and inner peace and compassion for others.

This sympathetic and enlightening book will be of interest and useful to anyone who wishes to explore the significance of pain in human experience and what may be learned from it.