We hear often in The Program that pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress. We eventually realize that just as the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, emotional turmoil comes before serentiy. We no longer commiserate with all people who suffer, but only with those who suffer in ignorance - those who don't understand the purpose and ultimate utility of pain. In Proust's words, "To goodness and wisdom we make only promises; pain we obey." Do I believe that pain is God's way of trying to get my attention?

Today I Pray

May I understand the value of pain in my life, especially if I am headed breakneck down a track of self-destruction. May I know that pain is God's way of flagging down the train I'm on before it gets to a bridge wash-out. May I be thankful that pain forced me to throw the switch in time.

Today I Will Remember

Pain saves lives.

-- Edited by Doll at 20:45, 2005-09-13

"pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress" When I saw this it instantly reminded me of something I read a long long time ago. It's a passage from a book called 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran. While I am not a religious man by any means I think it's one of the most beautiful expressions of spirituality I've ever come across. This is the chapter on pain... And a woman spoke, saying, "Tell us of Pain." And he said: Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain. And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy; And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief. Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity: For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen, And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.

-- Edited by TipsyMcStagger at 23:58, 2005-09-13