Growing Pains


Growing Pains

Embracing the broken heart, broken bones, guided ships sailing on

Photo by Maximilian Weisbecker on Unsplash

Growing up, we often experienced ‘growing pains’ with pain in the legs, ankles, hands, arms and possibly even mental anguish. With physical growth, we naturally expect growing pains with a hint of mental anguish as we learn more about life. Is this a natural process of life, or is it just me?

As we transition from morning to afternoon of our lives, we have slightly different growing pains. Instead of physical pain, we encounter spiritual pain with a hint of mental anguish. This spiritual pain comes in many forms: broken heart, increased fatigue, depression, and more mental anguish.

In the morning of our lives, we experience physical growing pains, but in the afternoon of our lives, we experience Spiritual growing pains. Physical is the easiest of the two as we take pain medicine to mask the pain, or we call upon divine essence, allowing the pain to dissipate on its own. Spiritual pain is not easy to remedy, for it requires soul reflections.

A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively;
he must put himself in the place of another and of many others;
the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own.

~Percy Bysshe Shelley

To learn from this pain, one must be willing to journey inward, locating the source of misery. If there are trapped emotions, they may be released. Forgiveness is a remedy for the pain endured if there is trapped guilt from earlier trespassing against another. It is said that we need only ask our Creator for forgiveness, but often the human mind needs closure and needs to go to the source of the guilt…whomever they harmed. By asking for forgiveness, they can be released from their sins.

Whether physical or spiritual, morning or afternoon, we all experience growing pains. How we handle these growing pains will determine how quickly we heal.

Stepping into the Canvas while embracing the Growing Pains, there may be no new growth without them. With them, there is surely growth. Whether morning or afternoon, physical or Spiritual, both have a purpose and lead to new growth. Enjoy the many miracles of life while ‘witnessing’ these growing pains.


Thank you Diana C., jules, Ravyne Hawke and the whole Know Thyself Heal Thyself family for sharing this sacred space.

As I reflect on this prompt, I embrace all the steps leading to this moment. Painfully so or joyously engaging soul-filled recollection of how I arrived in this place and time. 

I created memories and situational experiences with a limited understanding of life. Knowing now that there are far greater works at play and my understanding of these, deeper experiences of joyous pain, reflecting in peace, love and joy for All There Is.

No loop pedal for this piece, but last song during submission shared…

…for nothing in particular.


Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder, and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and, more importantly, the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash