Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain

Suffering takes many forms.  And perhaps one of the most debilitating ones is chronic illness or pain.  Illness, aside from death, is one of the great equalizers.  Illness, like trauma and suffering, does not care about race, gender, creed, or age.  Identity does not exclude any of us from falling prey to the forces of sickness and pain  And knowing this does not make it any easier to carry the load.  

Both chronic illness and chronic pain can be isolating, terrifying, anxiety-provoking, despairing, and disempowering.  It’s difficult to watch others do the tasks that we wish to do, or to not be able to engage in the activities and passions that once loved.  It’s frustrating having to spend so much time resting and recovering, or constantly attending medical procedures and appointments.  It’s anxiety-inducing not having a clear answer, and sitting with the uncertainty of our condition.  It’s disappointing  and depressing when the people around us can’t seem to understand, or fail to empathize with us.  And it can feel hopeless, as if the struggle will never end.  

Yet, in spite of all this, chronic illness and chronic pain do not have to be any of these things alone.  We do not have to live an isolated, hopeless, or powerless existence.  You do not have to bear this burden alone.  Where there is loneliness, there can be togetherness.  Where there is powerlessness, there can be strength and resolve.  And where there is hopelessness and despair, there is hope and grace.  We can learn to let go and embrace these aspects of ourselves-- and move towards a future that is not ruled by darkness.  We can find meaning and empowerment within this limiting experience.