Pathways from Pain to Meaning: Short Thoughts on Pain in History and Personal Development

by Iris Paxino, Cynthia Hindes (Translator)

Overview

A sympathetic and enlightening exploration of physical, emotional and spiritual pain and what we can learn from it, written by experienced psychologist and author of Bridges Between Life and Death, Iris Paxino.

People today strive to live as pain-free a life as possible, treating both physical pain and emotional suffering with a range of medical and alternative therapies. But in our efforts to avoid pain, are we excluding an important part of our human experience?

In this sensitive and thoughtful book, psychologist Iris Paxino explores different kinds of pain and the ways in which each affects us: from the physical pain of illness and injury, through the emotional suffering caused by loss and deprivation, to the spiritual pain experienced in moments of doubt when we struggle with meaning in our lives. Paxino also discusses the history of pain, the impact of chronic pain and treatment methods including behavioral techniques and anthroposophic therapies.

While pain should always be treated, Paxino argues that when we learn to accept it as an inescapable part of being human we develop resilience and inner peace as well as compassion for others.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782509202
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	11/19/2024
Pages:	102
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Iris Paxino was born in 1970 in Bucharest, Romania. She lectures regularly in the field of anthroposophic psychology and runs a biographical counselling practice in Stuttgart, Germany. She is the author of several books, including Bridges Between Life and Death.

Cynthia Hindes is a retired priest of The Christian Community in the USA.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction: The Experience of Pain
1. Pain in Antiquity: Inseparable from Life
2. Pain and Christianity: Redemption Through Suffering
3. Pain in Modern Times: In Pursuit of a Pain-free Life
4. The Language of Pain: The Struggle to Find Expression
5. Pain and Consciousness: Awareness of Our Limitations
6. Physical Pain: Illness and Injury
7. Emotional Pain: Loss and Deprivation
8. Spiritual Pain: The Absence of Meaning
9. Living with Pain: Understanding its Message
10. Chronic Pain: The Embodiment of Trauma
11. Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Pain: Gaining Sovereignty
12. Pain Management: A Positive Quality of Life
13. Anthroposophic Therapies: Understanding the Whole Human Being
Conclusion: Pain and Meaning
Endnotes
Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Iris Paxino:

'A deeply insightful book.' —Marjatta van Boeschoten, General Secretary, Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain on Bridges Between Life and Death

'This book is of such a great value... It has given me more openness towards what you actually and individually can give and receive by crossing the bridges.' —Camphill Correspondence on Bridges Between Life and Death

From the Publisher