Tenderness of a different kind

Pain... was triggered in today's thoughts. And Pain, was triggered for today's blog.

It is a simple word, easily understood, and an uncomplicated term. Yet, it is terribly interpreted. Or rather, mis-interpreted.
What is pain to you? The feeling when physical harm is inflicted? Or when the mind is triggered to express hurt? How do we cope with pain? How do our friends and family cope with pain? What is the pain that they are feeling and are we understanding it enough to help ease the pain? In medicine, the description of different characteristics of pain can lead to our differentials, but how often do we see beyond this? When something so subjective is approached, do not expect it to be easy to deal with.

We cope with pain in many ways. There will be biological effects, but our minds play a huge role such that we face pain with it. After all, it is the mind which interpreted it. The body will deal (ie compensate) with the biological changes. This, is how we attempt to raise the threshold of pain.

That said, there are not many who can successfully manage it. All of us are designed to withhold different volumes of external opposing forces. No matter how hard we try, sometimes, failure does occur. What do we do then?

Never forget how painful pain is, nor how fear magnifies pain.

Let us care, and help, and open up to each other; to be sincere and kind, and not let pain destroy the people we care. They may put up a brave front - respect, appreciate and admire such courage, but don't let it be invisible to you.

To try to ease pain is a humanitarian undertaking. I shall make it a point to try to be as helpful as I can, in my own capabilities, to address any form of pain in the people I would come across. You'll never know, they might be hoping that there is something you could do. Though it would not be possible all the time, but I don't want to take away someone's hope. It may be all they have to hold on to.

This, is the enigma of pain.