Keep in mind that there is no magic gift box with your name on it, holding everything you ever wanted. A good, pain-free, and spiritual life cannot be handed to you as a gift. Finding the meaning of your life is possible only by looking within and examining yourself and your own beliefs. Your inner strength and the answers to your questions are deep within your soul. The closest you can get to a magic box is one that, when opened, reveals a mirror into which you can look as deeply as you like.
Most of all, you'll get the gift of knowing that spirituality is both transforming and restorative.
Reprinted from: Healing Pain: The Innovative Breakthrough Plan to Overcome Your Physical Pain and Emotional Suffering by Ann Berger, MSN, MD and C. B. deSwaan © 2006 Ann Berger and C. B. deSwaan. (March 2006) Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098.
Authors:
Ann Berger, MSN, MD, is one of the foremost specialists in pain management in the nation. A medical oncologist specializing in pain treatment, she has written and edited numerous books on pain and palliative care for patients and health-care providers. Dr. Berger is also senior editor of the most widely used textbook on palliative care, Principles and Practice of Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology. She currently resides in Darnestown, Maryland.
C. B. deSwaan is a New York City-based freelance writer specializing in nonfiction. She has written 20 books with expert collaborators, including the best-selling Men Are Just Desserts and Smart Cookies Don't Crumble.
posted Apr 7 2006
