“The importance of pain and the difference between discomfort”

Although pain is, well, painful, it has its place to protect us and indicate important things. 

With this perspective, we are able to approach pain with different reservations or none at all. 

We are able to approach life with a different perspective that can greatly increase our enjoyment and understanding of who we are and the world around us. 

Just like a check engine light, pain is an indicator to look further. 

Here’s an example. Months ago, I was on a really enjoyable hike on a small mountain. After getting home, I felt this slight “pain” or biting on my leg. I quickly found a tick and removed it with no adverse effects. 

That pain had allowed me to discover and remove a tick quickly, which prevented me from getting all kinds of negative side effects. 

This parallel also holds true for mental pain as well. 

Pain indicates something that isn’t right, something to be discovered, and possibly a behavior or viewpoint that can be modified or changed. Further increasing or starting joy and self-discovery. 

Remember, there is a difference between pain and discomfort. 

Pain is an indication to look further. Reflecting to find something that needs to be addressed.

However, discomfort on the other hand, can be ok and the byproduct of growth.

When pushing outside of your comfort zone, you can grow as a person. But too far and you may reach a point of heightened fear, anxiety, and or anger, unbeneficial to your growth and development as a person.

Another way to put it, push too far, and you go into a “fight or flight mode” and at that point your mind may shut down and no longer become open to new ideas. As a result, you aren’t getting as much benefit as you could be. 

Most people tend to avoid discomfort and don’t grow as much because of it. Others may push themselves too much and too far to the point where they are no longer growing and learning in a healthy way. It is important to learn who you are and how to find that proper zone of growth. 

Below is an image made by Sterling Hawkins that visually shows what I am describing.

(Kynr is not affiliated with Sterling Hawkins in any way. I found this photo, and their ideas match my thought process when writing this article, and I would like to share as there are valuable insights.)

Here is a link to their article if you are interested in reading.

https://www.sterlinghawkins.com/growth-hub/what-growth-through-discomfort-actually-looks-like

As someone who used to be a stubborn individual, it took me a while to learn that you don’t just push through everything and keep going. Eventually, I learned that my pain and discomfort meant something. It wasn’t until I slowed down and took the time to reflect on this that I changed and acknowledged what my mind and body had been telling me all along, and as a result, I continue to learn and grow in a way that is healthy for me. I hope this is insightful and that you too, may do the same.

Love,

Kynr