SUMMARY:
What we perceive to be bad news could more accurately be defined as “painful news”. There’s nothing bad about being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, cancer or any other disorder; nor is the passing of a loved one a bad occurrence. To suggest unwelcome experiences are bad is like saying they are wrong or unjust.
There isn't anyone born with a “get out of jail free” card to spare them from experiencing times of upheaval, despair and loss. Certainly these darker shades of life are not welcomed but they are necessary. Change at any level can not take place until there is a clearing; which is often defined as a gap or a void. This is where new dimensions of experiences are introduced once a measure of acceptance has been secured. What we perceive to be bad news could more accurately be defined as “painful news”. There's nothing bad about being diagnosed with Parkinson's, cancer or any other disorder; nor is the passing of a loved one a bad occurrence. Other losses such as the demise of a business, job position or financial security will clearly feel bad, and may come as news if not expected but mistakes too are necessary steps of learning.
To suggest unwelcome experiences are bad is like saying they are wrong or unjust, and when we first learn of the suffering, hardship or loss of someone close to us, indeed a sense of enraged unfairness is overwhelming. Why them? Why me?
There are no satisfying answers yet many cling to questions for a considerable length of time. Once the search for justification lessens the clearing space begins to take form. Acceptance allows a soft light to glow almost spotlighting our void. Initially through our emotional rawness the smallest reminder captivates our attention ensuing pain that is welcomed; it softens over time but never totally diminishes. It is now apart of the connection, life, loss all interwoven.
With experience, we travel from mournful to mindfulness knowing pain and joy are simply a part of the journey.
