The Therapy of Pain

I've been thinking a lot lately about what we do when we are in pain. I'm currently experiencing a severe neck and shoulder injury that occurred presumably in my sleep. I woke up four days ago in pain and have been trying to treat it ever since. I have used medication, temperature variations, meditation, massage, a little movement and a little healing energy therapy. Each has reduced the pain for a time but none has healed it completely yet. As frustrating as it can be to feel trapped in and betrayed by one's own body, it is therapeutic in a weird and f*cked up way. I'm slowing down. I'm paying attention to what my physical and mental and emotional self needs. I'm continuing to live my life and am proud of myself for choosing activities over wallowing. And I'm asking for help when I need it. Sometimes it takes an injury (physical, emotional, mental or spiritual) before we slow down enough to hear ourselves.