Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. Joseph Campbell, American Professor of Literature
Using joy to “burn out the pain” makes me think of cauterization, the act of burning with heat or a chemical substance to stop an infection. Ongoing emotional pain can show up like an infection, causing physical and psychological harm.
Finding a place of joy may be difficult but remembering the good times, focusing on the loved one who died rather than yourself, gathering with friends to have fun, cooking a lovely dinner, going for a walk, may be the beginning. Find something that gives you a moment of joy and feel the pain begin to burn away.
Affirmation: I can find joy.
Coaching question: What gives you a sense of joy? How can you use this joy to burn away your pain?
