One thing I have been reflecting on with clients lately is the difference between pain and suffering. This distinction, is one I continue to be reminded about. Subsequently, I am going to share a little more around this topic of pain and suffering.
In this post, I will discuss –
- What is Pain?
- What is Suffering?
- The Differences Between Between Pain and Suffering
Let’s get started…
What is Pain?
There are a number of definitions on pain. A couple indicate say pain is –
- “physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury” ~ Google
- “physical suffering or distress, as due to injury, illness, etc.” or “a distressing sensation in a particular part of the body” ~ Dictionary.com
- “acute mental or emotional distress or suffering” ~ Merriam-Webster
- “Highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury” ~ Oxford Dictionary
What is Suffering?
Suffering is –
- “the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship” ~ Google
- “the state or experience of one that suffers” ~ Merriam-Webster
- “the state or an instance of enduring pain, etc.” ~ The Free Dictionary
The Differences Between Between Pain and Suffering
There are a few distinct difference between pain and suffering. They include –
- Pain is the physical sensations or signals (within your body) that tells you something is happening within your body in relation to an event or situation.
- Suffering is the interpretation or story that you tell yourself about the pain (i.e thoughts, judgements, beliefs etc). For example – “I am never going to get over this.”
- A certain amount of pain is inevitable in life. For example – we will all experience loss, change, challenges, illness etc. in life. However, the suffering is optional.
- Pain x acceptance (not approval) = limited or no suffering. Pain x resistance (limited or no acceptance) = suffering.
- Pain is real and we need to feel and experience the pain (not fix it) to allow healing to take place.
Over to You
If you have some time, you may like to reflect on the following –
- Is there anything you would add to the differences between pain and suffering? If so, please share below.
- How has this distinction helped you? Feel free to share your responses below!
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4 Comments
Shona
April 6, 2019This was interesting for me as I’d posted on my FB page a Buddhist quote: “pain is inevitable, suffering is not.” I thought I understood it but felt I needed some research.
I have an illness which affects my mobility and causes muscle spasms. I have a fantastic neurologist and the negatives are kept to a minimum.
I also have a four legged friend who I walk in beautiful woodland everyday. For the last two or three days I have been having painful spasms but between them I can enjoy my walks and the emerging spring as well as the company of my lovely dog.
Is this a useful contribution it have I misunderstood?
Jane
April 9, 2019Thanks Shona for your comment. Yes it is useful! It sounds to me as though you have pain (which you have accepted) and therefore the suffering is limited as you are doing what you can do. Does that make sense?
When I came across this equation it helped me immensely: Pain x acceptance (not approval) = no suffering. Pain x resistance (limited or no acceptance) = suffering.
Is that useful Shona? Warm wishes, Jane
Venkatesh
December 18, 2017Great explanation! Now I’m able to differentiate pain and suffering.
Jane
December 18, 2017Glad it was helpful!
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