Faculty Articles

Suffering and Compassion

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

ISSN

1557-9085

Publication Date

4-1-2019

Abstract

Suffering is a natural part of life and without moments or periods of pain, we tend not to appreciate the joys and the beauty of life as deeply as we might otherwise. Our wounds, I believe (suffering is one of those), offer us personal power, but not until we are open to understanding their message. We may not know the exact answer or message right away or ever, but we can be open, live the question and the journey.

Compassion and awareness go hand in hand with any suffering journey, for once we have been stung, hurt and full of despair, we are better able to understand others' pain with an open heart. I believe that it is only when our hearts are pierced to the core that we can begin to understand that there is always a possibility of grace in that process. The following essays explore the challenges of suffering and the deeper meaning that it may possess for both personal and professional revelation. These essays offer wisdom to help us find that deeper grace and provide examples of innovative programming and complementary therapies that help clinicians address and ease patients' suffering.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1089/act.2019.29212.jlr

Volume

25

Issue

2

Peer Reviewed

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