Pain

I have heard people act based on only two things in this world.  They move away from Pain and towards Pleasure.  The pain can be either perceived or realized and the same with pleasure.  It can be physical, sexual, relational, or spiritual.  Pleasure is the great Lover; the seducer, while Pain is the great Teacher and instructor.

The Lover is always in front, calling, beckoning, opening her arms to you in hopes you will run to her and a future you are capable of achieving.  

the Teacher, though, she never leaves your side.  While the Lover calls from afar and whispers dreams of success and passion, the Teacher stands as a shield bearer.  She is always there, to instruct and remind.  

We so often view ourselves at odds with our Teacher.  We see pain as something evil to be avoided, repelled, and muted.  We become soft.

The Teacher and the Lover are one.  They exist together in a perfect relationship.  Our world tells us we need not heed the Teacher in order to have the Lover.  Lies.

No one has ever reached the Lover without countless lessons under the powerful hand of the Teacher.

So when the lessons come, are you learning?