Leaning Into the Pain

My second therapy session began with confession: I have been working 15 hour days and have not been diligent with my exercises. Physical therapists are acutely aware of the human condition. They understand that few of us are willing to hurt ourselves on purpose. Yet the cliche is rooted in truthful reality: pain with a purpose.
She began with a deep massage of my wrist and arm to address swelling and to make it easier for ligaments or tendons (what's the difference?) to slide through tissues (some with scarring). She was careful but gently persistent in showing me how to stretch and move into the pain. To regain flexibility it will have to hurt.
I remember a lesson from my tai chi instructor. He would require us to stand in a position where the muscles would begin to burn.  The body's natural response was to pull away from the pain but the instructor said: Lean more deeply into the pain and then relax.
We need a companion to guide and help us find our way toward shalom. A therapist who understands that for my wrist to turn more fully it may be necessary to address some issues in my elbow. An instructor who undersatnds the counter-intuitive/paradoxical way of  body, mind, heart, soul and life.
Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Matt. 10:39

The Cast is Off

A week ago the doctor declared my broken wrist bone to be healed. The cast was removed revealing an arm that is smaller, weaker and much less flexible. The doctor recommended a month or so of hand therapy.

The cast was essential to stabilize my wrist and allow healing to occur. But one kind of healing created a different set of challenges. Scar tissue, constricted ligaments and tendons, and muscles debilitated from lack of use need to be massaged, stretched and strengthened or I will not regain normal use of my wrist.

Reflecting on my cast led to thoughts about other kinds of defense mechanisms that we use (consciously or not) in response to wounds or breaks in our life. We create walls or boundaries of denial; withdrawal; anger; depression; aggression that protect us in some ways and weaken us in others. Our retreat from confrontation or introspection may be needed for a season but creates challenges to full healing and a return to normal health and well-being.

The massaging, stretching and strengthening needed to regain health and vitality (body, mind, heart, soul and relationships) is difficult and crucial. Therefore, we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perserverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5

Voices

Recently I sat in a dental waiting room while my spouse had oral surgery. I picked up Sports Illustrated and began reading an article by Joe Posnanski who used to write regularly for the KC Star. His words are so carefully chosen. The sentences are well-crafted. I realized how much I missed his voice in my life along with his colleague, Jason Whitlock, whose style was so entertaining, direct, and occasionally courageous. I gave thanks for the way they enriched my life with their thoughts and words. I began to reflect with gratitude upon other voices who have brought light, encouragement and joy to my path.

My reflections of loss led to an awareness of a concurrent sense of yearning and anticipation of new voices emerging. Sam Mellinson's writing keeps my interest as he writes about area sports. Although she has been writing for years I have come to need Mary Oliver's poems as soon as possible. Staying open to new friends or fresh visions helps keep me alive.

The Word is alive and manifest in so many voices! Thanks be to God!