health What is the purpose of ill health?

[Sally]

There is much talk about mindfulness and wellbeing at the moment and it seems to be a growing industry here in the UK.  I feel that the key reasons for this are that a lot of people in the world are suffering either mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually and just want to feel better, happier, and more fulfilled in life as well as more connected with each other.  

Over the years I have had my fair share of ill health and right now, although I have embarked on a path to wellness a while back, I am currently struggling with chronic fatigue and simply just not feeling well.  I have been feeling really quite angry about it lately that my life seems so limited - I can only do so much in a day before having to rest in bed and going out in the evenings is a non starter.  I just feel so helpless and like my life shouldn't be like this.  I know people years older than me who can walk for miles each day and do so much more with their lives and my fatigue is making me feel like a failure sometimes.  

So today I am asking myself "what is the purpose of ill health from a deeper perspective - how might my suffering be serving me in some way and actually be a positive phase in my life?"

I have been pondering these questions and here are my thoughts thus far....

Maybe my fatigue is a chance for me to SLOW my life down, take some time out to reflect, get out of the rat race and find my own calling in life?  It is giving me a chance to really think about what I enjoy in life and who I want to spend time with.  

I have been spending more time doing energy healing and meditations with others in an effort to feel better and I am enjoying this connection with others and the insights I am gaining.  I am feeling energetic shifts in myself and my connection and trust with the universe (God) is improving.  As I surrender to my condition I feel the pressure lift from me.  

Deep down I feel like the universe has a plan for me and the world at large and that there is a very good reason why my life feels limited right now.   I probably wouldn't be writing this post right now if I were feeling 100% fit and well! Also it has just occurred to me that at least I am able to sit up in bed and type these words - I am not having to sleep right now so things can't be that bad!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.... I am actually feeling a lot more clear headed for expressing these thoughts right now and feel more purposeful just for sharing how I have been feeling lately.   

[James]

Hi @Sally,

It's really brave of you to share such a personal and honest account of what you're going through. Your feelings of frustration and anger about the limitations chronic fatigue has placed on your life are completely understandable. It's tough when your body doesn't cooperate with the life you want to live, and comparing yourself to others, especially those who seem to have boundless energy, can be really disheartening.

I think you've hit on some incredibly insightful points in your own reflections. The idea that your fatigue might be a forced opportunity to slow down and re-evaluate your life resonates deeply. In our busy, often achievement-oriented society, we rarely give ourselves permission to pause and truly consider what brings us joy and meaning. This period could indeed be a catalyst for discovering a new path or a deeper understanding of your existing one.

Your experience with energy healing and meditation, and the connection you're finding with others through these practices, sounds really positive. It's wonderful that you're noticing energetic shifts and a strengthening of your spiritual connection. That sense of surrender and the lifting of pressure you described is a powerful indicator that you're finding ways to navigate this challenge in a way that supports your inner well-being.

The thought that you might not have written this post if you were feeling completely well is a beautiful example of how challenges can sometimes lead to unexpected growth and connection. By sharing your vulnerability, you've not only processed your own feelings but also opened up a space for others to connect and perhaps share their own experiences.

It takes real strength to look for the potential positives in a difficult situation, and your willingness to explore the deeper purpose of your ill health is admirable. Your final thought about being able to sit up and type is a wonderful reminder to appreciate the small things and find gratitude even amidst hardship.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm sure many others on this forum will find comfort and perhaps new perspectives in your words. I hope that as you continue on your path to wellness, you find moments of ease and increasing strength.

James