Pain Relief

Although we all enjoy innumerable blessings, we don’t always feel happy. This is odd, considering that appreciating the good in our lives elevates our mood and enhances our functioning. If we acknowledge all our blessings we can enjoy true happiness. So why don’t we?

Blocked by Sadness

“Sure, I have hot water and a closet full of nice clothes. That’s great. But I don’t have a husband anymore since he decided to leave our marriage. That was six years ago, but my life has been horrible ever since. I don’t have enough money. I lost many friends and half my relatives. My children want to spend all their time with him, even though he was the one who ruined their lives. I had to take a job that I don’t enjoy. What have I got to be happy about? Electricity? Give me a break.”

Really bad things happen — well, it’s actually that things that feel really bad happen. Cognitively, we understand that everything is from Hashem and that it’s all good and for our good. But it’s hard to be joyful when we’re feeling sad.

Tackling Pain

There are three types of emotional pain: fresh hurts, unresolved hurts, and buried hurts.