The wise way of dealing with pain

      "Grandma how do you deal with pain?"

      "With your hands, dear. When you do it with your mind, the pain hardens even more."

      “With your hands, grandma?"

      "Yes, yes. Our hands are the antennas of our soul. When you move them by sewing, cooking, painting, touching the earth or sinking it into the earth, they send signals of caring to the deepest part of you and your soul calms down.

      This way she doesn't have to send pain anymore to show it.

      "Are hands really that important?"

      "Yes my girl. Thinking of babies: they get to know the world thanks to their touches. When you look at the hands of older people, they tell more about their lives than any other part of the body. Everything that is made by hand, so is said, is made with the heart because it really is like this: hands and heart are connected. Masseuses know this: When they touch another person's body with their hands, they create a deep connection. Thinking of lovers: When their hands touch, they love each other in the most sublime way."

      “My hands grandma... how long haven't I used them like that!"

      "Move them my girl, start creating with them and everything in you will move. The pain will not pass away. But it will be the best masterpiece. And it won't hurt anymore. Because you managed to embroider your essence."

      - Elena Barnabé

I read this beautiful narrative some years ago.

It has guided me in my work with those who are grieving a loss.

I have noticed that many people who are grieving keep their hands still.

When I encourage even gentle, creative movements of the hands, their pain starts to feel more controllable and less overwhelming.

I often use art as a creative hand movement with people who come to see me.

On occasion I guide people through gentle movements of the hands to music.

If you can play a musical instrument you can play that. Many people find that soothing.

One memorable client became part of a drumming group.

The wisdom of the grandmother in Elena Barnabé’s story was great.

Creative movements with the hands will help heal the heart.

Why don’t you try it?

Grab a piece of paper and something to draw or colour with and drawer swirls of colour, shapes, anything you want.

Or move your hands to a piece of music you love to hear or make that music.

Or you could even join a drumming group.

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