Krysta Gibson ~ "Using Pain as a Tool for Spiritual Growth."

Our society spends a lot of time and energy trying to avoid pain and suffering. And, in our own way, most people pursuing their spiritual process do the same thing. No one enjoys hurting; no one enjoys physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain. Yet, all around us we can see pain and suffering- in our own lives as well as in the lives of others. Within much of the thinking associated with people on the spiritual path (whether you want to use the term New Age or Spiritual Independent), there is frequently an implicit, if not explicit, statement that life is not about suffering; it is about joy and peace, love and light. And we are given techniques and ideas which are meant to help us reach a place of no-pain. Yet, the Buddha said, "All of life is suffering." A person most of us consider to be very enlightened, a God/dess-realized being, has said this heresy. What are we to make of it? Ignore it and say he really meant something else? Or, perhaps. meditate upon the concept and invite a teaching from it? The Tibetan, speaking through Alice Bailey in A Treatise on White Magic, quotes from The Old Commentary: "Use Pain." These two words, I believe, convey a very powerful, growth-producing message. Note the words are not "endure pain," or "avoid pain," or "transcend pain." The meaning is clear: "use pain." During the show we will discuss this further and I will give specific ways to use the pain in our lives to move forward along the spiritual path with, yes, more joy and peace in our lives. Krysta Gibson is the publisher and editor of New Spirit Journal, a monthly print and online publication dedicated to helping the readers create abundance in their relationships, finance, health, career, and inner life. She is also the author of two books: "22 Steps to Success: Your Guide to a Fulfilling LIfe," and "The Entrepreneur's Toolbox." Krysta has also produced two self-talk Cds: "Embrace Your Day, Love Your Life," and "Positive Self-Talk for Family caregivers.”