A World of Pain: Exploring how to turn Struggles into Strength

I am typing this blog after finishing A World of Pain on SBS On Demand, a thought-provoking documentary that explores the multifaceted experiences of chronic pain. It’s not often that a piece of media stops me in my tracks, but this one did. It was raw, unfiltered, and deeply human—a window into the lives of people who live with chronic pain every single day.

As I was immersed in anther module of Breathwork for Emotional Release (currently over halfway through my certification) I found the documentary aligning perfectly with the themes of my own learning and reflection. The documentary, with its raw and vulnerable exploration of chronic pain, felt like an extension of the work I was studying. It offered an intricate tapestry of stories, reminding me how pain shapes, defines, and sometimes even empowers us.

Pain is universal. 

An experience that connects us all yet manifests uniquely for each person.

It touches everyone in some form, whether physical, emotional, energetic or spiritual—a thief that steals joy and ease. A World of Pain highlights how chronic pain is often invisible, misunderstood, stigmatised and sometimes swept under the rug. The documentary features powerful stories from individuals whose lives have been shaped by pain, showing how it influences identity, relationships and the quest for meaning.

One excerpt struck me deeply: “Pain is not just a physical sensation—it’s a story that lives in the body. It’s layered with emotion, memory, and the struggle to be understood.”

This line encapsulates the complexity of pain and its ability to permeate every facet of life. It reminded me of the stories I encounter daily—whether through patients in the vision therapy room, clients seeking intuitive guidance, or even in my own experiences with pain.

What if pain isn’t just something to endure?

What if it’s a messenger, a teacher or even a catalyst for transformation?

A World of Pain doesn’t shy away from the reality of chronic pain. It dives into the lives of individuals who face daily battles, showing the physical and emotional toll that it takes. But it also reveals their incredible resilience and adaptability.

One story that stayed with me was that of a woman living with fibromyalgia, who described her pain as “a storm that never clears.” Despite her struggles, she had found ways to reclaim moments of joy and purpose. Her words, “I had to learn how to live with the storm instead of fighting it,” resonated deeply with me.

Another excerpt came from a man dealing with nerve damage, who said, “Pain has become my teacher. It forces me to slow down, to listen to my body, to understand what I truly value.” This perspective on pain as a teacher mirrors my own beliefs about the transformative potential of hardship.

The documentary also highlighted the importance of community and storytelling in coping with pain. One participant shared, “When I tell my story, I’m no longer alone in it. I feel seen, validated, and connected.” This reminded me of the power of vulnerability in creating bonds, whether in personal relationships or therapeutic settings.

Pain is often seen as an enemy—a foe to conquer. 

A World of Pain challenges this narrative by portraying pain as a deeply complex experience, not just a sensation but a relationship. For those living with chronic pain, it’s an ongoing dialogue with their bodies and minds—a process of adaptation and patience.

One character in the documentary found purpose in advocating for others, transforming their suffering into a source of empowerment. Another learned to balance vulnerability and strength, understanding the power of asking for help. These journeys highlighted a profound truth: pain doesn’t have to define us, but it can refine us.

The documentary also illuminated the isolation that often accompanies pain. It reshapes how individuals view themselves and how they interact with the world. But it also emphasized the healing power of connection—when people share their struggles, they create space for compassion, understanding, and collective strength.

Pain has been a significant teacher in my life. Physically, I have experienced moments when it felt unbearable, moment when pain bright me to my knees—a relentless force that consumed my energy and focus. Emotionally, I have navigated heartbreak, loss and the ache of growth.

There were times when I felt broken, but looking back, I realise that pain shaped me in profound ways. Pain has taught me to:

Trust my intuition through sensations & signals of my body to honour its needs.

Ask for what I need by leaning into vulnerability and seeking support.

Set standards as I find strength in moments of stillness and introspection.

Find beauty and strength as I recognise the resilience I didn’t know I had.

Perhaps the greatest lesson pain has taught me is the power of connection. When I have shared my struggles, I have discovered a community of others walking similar paths. This shared humanity is a reminder that none of us are truly alone. Through these experiences, I have come to see pain not as an enemy but as a guide. It has pushed me to grow, to heal and to connect with others on a deeper level.

As a vision therapist and intuitive wellness guide, I encounter pain in many forms. In the vision therapy room, I have worked with patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries, dealing with visual challenges or living with chronic conditions that affect their daily lives.

Pain is not always visible, but it is always valid.

Patients often share their frustration, fatigue and feelings of disconnection. In these moments, my role isn’t just to provide therapy—it’s to hold space, to listen and to remind them that they are not alone.

Through intuitive guidance, I work with clients who are navigating emotional pain—old wounds, limiting beliefs or life transitions. Here, pain often shows up as a block, a resistance to moving forward. By holding space for their stories and guiding them to reconnect with their intuition, we work together to transform pain into purpose.

What I have learned from both roles is this: Pain demands to be acknowledged. When ignored, pain is sure to fester. When we face it with compassion and curiosity, it becomes a source of wisdom and growth.

Pain is a paradox. 

It is humbling and strengthening, grounding and enlightening. It strips away our pretense and exposes raw truths about who we are and what we value.

When we stop fighting pain and start listening to it, something shifts, we can uncover hidden messages. Pain becomes a guide, asking us to:

Slow down and rest.

Honour our hearts, bodies and minds.

Set standards to protect our well-being.

Transform our habits and routines in ways that serve us better.

Seek support and connection.

The strange power of pain lies in its ability to awaken us to the fragility and beauty of life. It can be a call to presence, a nudge toward growth or even a spark for creativity and change.

Pain doesn’t discriminate. It touches people from all walks of life, across cultures, ages and experiences. Watching A World of Pain reminded me of the shared humanity in our struggles. Pain connects us in a way few other experiences can.

Pain often carries a message. It tells us when something is out of balance—whether in our bodies, relationships or lives. It forces us to pay attention, to address what we have ignored or suppressed.

Of course, not all pain feels meaningful. There are moments of suffering that seem senseless, and it is important to honour that truth as well. Even in the hardest moments, pain has the potential to teach empathy, resilience and growth.

One of the most profound lessons I have learned is that pain and joy can coexist.

Rather than diminishing life; pain reshapes it. Even in the depths of chronic pain, moments of lightness, connection and purpose are still possible. It has also showed me the importance of storytelling. Sharing our pain creates bridges of empathy and understanding. It breaks down the walls of isolation and reminds us that we are not alone.

There is an undeniable power that comes from pain.

It fully strips away pretence, revealing raw truths about who we are and what we value.

Pain humbles us, yet it also strengthens us.

By embracing pain as a teacher, we can begin to transform it into a source of strength and purpose.

Healing is a journey, rather than being about erasing pain—it’s about integrating it. It is about learning to hold space for the hard and the beautiful, the ache and the awakening. Healing requires patience, compassion and the courage to confront what hurts while remaining open to what heals.

The stories in the documentary A World of Pain reminded me of the power of storytelling in the healing process. Pain can isolate, but connection brings healing. Sharing our pain validates our experiences and creates a sense of belonging. When we listen to others, we offer them the gift of being seen, understood and validated. Together, we build resilience in the cracks which is a powerful antidote to the loneliness of pain.

There are a multitude of practical ways to engage with pain, so I thought it was only fair to share a few.

Breathwork: Breathwork is one of the most powerful tools I have found for processing pain on both a conscious and subconscious level. By connecting with your breath, you can release trapped emotions, calm the nervous system, and create space for healing.

Journaling: Writing about pain can help you understand its roots and meaning. Ask yourself:

What is my pain trying to tell me?

How has it shaped me?

What do I need to feel supported right now?

Community Support: Reach out to others who understand your experience. Support groups, womens circles, friends or even online communities can provide invaluable connection and understanding.

Mindful Movement: Yoga, stretching or gentle walks can help release physical tension and create a deeper connection between your body and mind.

What lessons has pain taught you?

How has pain shaped your identity or perspective on life?

In what ways can you honour both the challenges and the gifts of pain?

Who can you turn to for support when pain feels overwhelming or debilitating?

How can you create space for both joy and pain in your life?

As unwelcome as it often feels, pain has a power and purpose that we can choose to embrace. It asks us to be vulnerable, to adapt and to grow.

It reminds us of our humanity and our strength.

As I continue my journey through life, and through breathwork and emotional release certification, I am reminded of the wisdom that pain holds. It is not always easy to see, but when we lean in—when we listen—it can guide us toward healing, connection and transformation.

To everyone navigating pain, know this: You are not alone.

Your pain is valid, your strength is real, and your story matters.

Honour the complexity of pain while holding space for hope, resilience, love and joy.