It is easy to be aware of physical pain as a symptom of some disturbance of body function.
It is natural to give it immediate attention so that we can return to the comfort zone that is physical well being.
If we have been physically injured Nature demands time in order to mend damaged tissue, bone or nerves.
Most of us need to have time to recover from any hurt inflicted upon us from outside.
We learn to reduce the time of healing according to our attitude or philosophy.
When someone hurts our feelings, and this is perhaps the most common injury, it is possible to endure symptoms of emotional upset, tearful episodes, anger, seething resentment or violent reactions that can cause aggressive behavior or impulse to retaliate.
We can brood about the hurt, try to resolve the cause by discussion or when extremely serious, allow depression or even despair to take away our ability to enjoy life.
But if we follow nature's way we allow time to heal, to restore our positive emotional state and self confidence, this is the best way.
And with all healing, it just can happen, sometimes magically, if we place trust in the natural process and give ourselves time to decide how to act.
Mental pain is not so immediately demanding to the extent that we can go for days, months, even years avoiding the issues or without finding a remedy to take away our mental injuries.
If our long unhealed psychological states or traumas are left unresolved they are likely to flare up to be the cause of acute and inexplicable moods, anxieties or settle into depression.
Therefore, when someone or something causes us mental distress it usually takes a longer period of time and the injury can be deeper and more severe than a temporary physical pain or passing emotional situation.
It requires a strong and positive attitude if we are to find our usual quiet, safe place in our minds and regain our seat of self control and self determination and even self confidence.
Remember, it is our choice to respond or to refrain from reacting in any way to a situation or to someone else.
When we allow an unthinking or instinctive response we are no longer in control.
We place ourselves in the role of victim.
We soon discover that if we want to hit back and hurt ,it inevitably will lead to more conflict and aggression.
Neither do we want to brood over the hurt or wallow in self misery as the victim of a situation.
There are also occurrences so traumatic that they damage us physically and psychologically to extend our pain and suffering for a lifetime if we do not find a remedy.
We must find the courage to face or acknowledge the unique causes and hurtful experiences if we are to become free of them to feel whole and happy inside.
Acceptance, forgiveness, understanding are valuable tools.
If we can remain strong enough to either distance ourselves physically, if that is appropriate, or to have a little quiet time to come to terms with our feelings it is better than regretting any over reaction.
We can do this by retreating to take ten slow, deep breaths before making a conscious choice.
Mental attitudes can help us.
We may accept bad circumstances or experiences to be our bad fortune, or to be symbolic of karmic lesions still to be learned.
We may focus upon the spiritual teachings that tell us to refrain from hurting our fellows, even if we are hurt by them.
Yet still we can be forgiven in having a natural common query as to why someone would want to harm or hurt a nice person like yourself! This may never be answered.
So, remember the 10 deep breaths! Then add another inhalation of a wonderful perfume - and move on!