Unwinding Pain - One Step at a Time
Lao Tzu said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is often only with hindsight that we can see how many steps we have taken to achieve a new way of being. Wellbeing can come quietly each time we make a new decision; each time we become aware of and curious about our thoughts, sensations, pain patterns and emotions. Over time we may come to see that who we are is not who we were or thought ourselves to be. Life can become richer. A while ago, I had a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my own journey to a richer and fuller life. On a very wet Melbourne morning I set out on a walk from Belgrave in Melbourne’s east to my home, some twelve kilometres away. I enjoyed the beauty of the bush in the rain and seeing parts of the local area I had not seen before. Ten years ago, this would not have been possible. Due to chronic pain, intense anxiety, and depression I believed I would never do that. At that time to walk for ten minutes was a feat. I remember sitting