Poetry Of Hope
“I stay in the realm of realism,
but always carry with me the fantasy,
the romance, the wish fulfillment–
the poetry of hope.”
~~~
Lynne Greenerg
The Body Broken
During the last 2 decades I’ve read most everything I could find to help me make sense of my unexpected plight with chronic pain, and the complex medical maze that I was suddenly thrust into as a young mother at age 30. During a particularly difficult time several years ago, I read a book entitled, The Body Broken, by Lynne Greenberg. This book had a profound impact on my outlook, and my approach to life.
Lynne’s book is a lyrical memoir, written by a talented writer, sensitive soul and professor of literature who faced, quite similarly to me, a world that suddenly ‘changed on a dime’. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a literary treasure, and poetic masterpiece that speaks honestly and directly to the plight of facing adversity, and discovering courage to reinvent a joyful life in the face of challenge, and physical pain that is not easily remedied. Lynne taught me a great deal by her noble example, and for this I am grateful and honored to share her work.
I invite you to take a few moments here to view this video clip of a brief interview with Lynne (aired on ABC with Diane Sawyer). It will provide you a flavor for her wonderful book, and also introduce you to the brave, beautiful and creative spirit that she is.
click here: Living With Chronic Pain | Video – ABC News
Much Love Always
~
Robyn Lee
THROUGH THE HEALING LENS 
Yes, I’ve noticed how your attitude has lifted in recent years and wondered where your inspiration came from….wonderful of you to share the source of your inspiration, Robyn, so beautifully illustrated here.
November 19, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Thanks Meryl! Yes just felt inclined to share at this stage of my journey. Was talking to a friend recently about what has been written on the topic, and must say that Lynne’s book is probably most aligned with my own experience and outlook. She was someone I could relate to right away. Know you’d like her too! Much Love and glad you enjoyed the post! x R
November 19, 2012 at 8:54 PM
I’ll take a look at that tomorrow when I have a bit more time. I’ll also look into the book. Thank you Robyn.
November 19, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Most Welcome Alstair ~ thank you so much. I’m sure you will find her to be inspiring. Also special that she is an artist and teacher. A lovely woman to lend a voice to speak for so many who face this challenge. Warm wishes your way ~ Robyn
November 19, 2012 at 8:57 PM
Wow …. Robyn ………..
This is amazing ….
and you know in my view – because you are such an inspiration to people – you do not complain about stuff – love that about you
You just keep shining and shining and giving Your heart through your poems and photos ……….
I am sending You a Big Hug and THROUGH THE HEALING LENS ….=Yours – is definitely a healing site …….:)
You have to know How much You radiate beauty and love ……..
Just wanted to Tell You xoxoxo
and .,……………….. Thank You for inspiring me every single time i come here …..
You are in My Thoughts always ….xx
Cat xo
November 19, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Thanks so much wonderful friend! Cat you just spoil me with your LOVE !! I complain plenty — 🙂 but do try to redirect when I find myself in that place of self-pity. It’s much better to be facing the sunshine ~ and I know you totally get this. Have received your Big Hug ~ and aiming one right back to you through my magic healing lens. Your words are ever so touching ~ Love and Blessings always ~ Robyn
November 19, 2012 at 9:00 PM
I love Your new picture – sooooooo Gentle 🙂 xx Good Morning 🙂 xx
No this is not spoiling !!!!!!!!!!!! This is just Love and and caring 🙂 And appreciation of whom YOU ARE….. in all Totality of You ……
You Studied Jung – You Know xx 🙂
I am saying That You Face The sun – in my heart all the time . You amplify Love and beauty ……..
Now That’s where It all begins – Just To stay In That Love Mode ……. – That’s that sunny place that You sooooo beautifully live in ………..
Love and tons of blessings always …………..
I know it’s US thanksgiving this week and just wanted to say How Grateful i am that we became friends ……..
I have Learned SO much …………..
about grace …..from You xo
Have a beautiful day ……………..
i’m at home all day – tomorrow in the studio – if you ever wanna write – 🙂 always here –
sending You and Hubby the brightest of Hugs xx
Keep shining that Love xo
C xo
November 20, 2012 at 9:27 AM
Yes – I do know ~ and thank you so much for your generous spirit Cat. I too so grateful ~ and will keep you in heart as I reflect on gratitude and grace this weekend. 30+ people here for our holiday – it’s our annual 1 big event — so I’m gearing up to hopefully keep my joints in place and enjoy while I celebrate my blessings. We will catch up soon dearest friend ~ Love – RL
November 20, 2012 at 6:51 PM
I keep her book by my nightstand. I have read the book numerous times and I keep reading it. Her book has had a profound impact on me as well. I think about you everyday and I remember that we are on the same journey. I am so grateful that you showed up in my life. You have also made a profound impact on me!! I will email you soon. Love You!!
November 19, 2012 at 5:55 PM
Oh Tara ~ really? Did I recommend it for you years ago?? I think maybe I did? Yes – out of all I’ve read – this one was special…. she’s so genuine and knows how to tell the story honestly but in a way that is more palatable to the reader – in an artistic, poetic style that speak to the heart. I admired that so much at a time way before I was tapped into my own creative spirit. Of course I cried and cried reading it… but felt less alone… I know you understand. I too am so grateful for our meeting. Yes – we need to connect soon – and I have you in heart always. Love you much ~ R
November 19, 2012 at 9:04 PM
I see that this is your shadow series and also see great hope in the sand castles. The video is very interesting -I love “go to the beach” on Lynn Greenberg’s list. I belong to a non-fiction book club at the library and will suggest this book. Thank you Robyn, for sharing your story and inspiration…my heart is touched. Jane:)
November 19, 2012 at 6:20 PM
Just ordered “The Body Broken” from the library and brought it to the attention of the librarian who facilitates our reading group.There are only 3 in the system but I should get it right away, as soon as it comes from another branch. Good timing, I am just about finished the present book and the two others on hold are going to be a bit of a “wait.”
November 19, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Thank you so much Jane. Wow ~ exciting you are getting to read this. I think you will enjoy her style… she weaves in poetry and reference from the literature she loves (Paradise Lost comes to mind)… metaphors and also blunt reality that is not so pretty but sooo honest that you want to reach inside her little book and hug her. Let me know what you think… you will find it also says a lot about the lack of competence in dealing with this problem by our medical system. Bottom line though is that she is a heroine ~ and I admire her resourcefulness and strength and spirit. You will too! Much Love ~ Robyn
November 19, 2012 at 9:08 PM
This is so wonderful, She is so very special and brave. When my children were little and as a single mother I had to deal with multiple issues including illness, pain and it’s aftermath for the next 20 years, everyone kept telling me what I couldn’t do, not what I could. I learned a lesson in that also. As did she and she has so beautifully passed it on to others and now you to us (which you do always I might add). Thank you my dearest friend. A wonderful post and I love the photo also! Much love and warmth to you Robyn, Penny xxooxx (and I love your gravatar 🙂 )
November 19, 2012 at 6:58 PM
So glad you enjoyed this Penny!! Yes – did think you would likely really relate and appreciate this. There is a lack of supportive, honest reading material on this issue I have found… but I remember when I read Lynne’s book (several times) I just cried realizing I really was not alone. Yes – lessons for all of us here… and you also are a role model and inspiration in this. It is a lovely circle of support we have found. Very grateful – and always will be. Much love and thanks dearest friend ~ as you say – you are the “bestest” 🙂 ~ x R ps: yes – had to switch up the gravitar – just seemed like the time, so shot this one after my shower this morning — hair still wet and in bathrobe 🙂 shhh!
November 19, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Are you kidding Robyn? Sexxxxy, I love it (gravatar of course).
Thanks re: Inspiration. So needed by so many, it is good to share our experiences and our hopes and dreams and most definitely bestest friend of mine much love, Penny xxooxx
November 19, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Sexxxxy??? — well now I’m really blushing 🙂 Thank you Penny dearest ~ Love u!
November 20, 2012 at 3:14 PM
Hey I always say what I mean – go with the flow….most special dear one…loving you also Robyn! 🙂
November 20, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Adore that quote!
November 19, 2012 at 7:06 PM
Thank you dearest thoughtsontheatre! Much appreciate ~ 😉 RL
November 19, 2012 at 10:17 PM
We often forget to be thankful for good pain-free health. The interview helps others understand what it must be like to endure chronic pain. Did yours come on gradually, or was it sudden like hers?
z
November 19, 2012 at 8:14 PM
Thank you, and so true z ~ as Lynne Greenberg says in her book and interview, “Blissfully unaware….” which sometimes is a good thing… but being thankful, and making the best of every moment is truly the way to go in my opinion! I was 100% pain free and in perfect health till my 2nd pregnancy. This came on like a lightening bolt ~ first was a round of headaches for which I was adjusted by a chiropractor for 3 months — and next thing I knew my pelvis was “locking” ~ so rather sudden onset. Had never seen the inside of a hospital except for childbirth before this. Seems was a quiet congenital anomaly of my hip sockets — and then ligaments got lax ~ I got adjusted and became unstable and the domino effect began. Still ~ hopeful and enjoying life every minute I can… Much Love and Blessings my friend. ~ R
November 19, 2012 at 10:25 PM
it seems that people with ‘healing touches’ keep coming into my life. a kinesiologist last august in costa rica, a very talented healer from chile who works with magnets here in ecuador, and this month a healer in this little town who suffered from fibromalagia for years and years and figured out how to reverse it and now works through reflexology and diet and a few other new-age approaches. i’ll get his contact info and lob it to you.. there might be something online. i am sure you’ve tried it all, but one never knows,.. he works on regenerating nerves as well through oxygen therapy.
z
November 19, 2012 at 10:34 PM
z I am always open and receptive ~ and although I have tried so many alternative (and mainstream) modalities, I’m always willing to explore and evaluate something new and promising. Thank you dearest friend for all your support ~ xo Blessings, Robyn
November 20, 2012 at 7:42 PM
before i x’d this off my screen, i wanted to share with you… i will see ‘doc’in a day or so and will find out more in your behalf…
http://healingwithsavannah.com/healing/the-four-pillars-of-healing/
November 20, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Hi Robyn,
Your story too is an inspiration, and comfort, giving strength to those of us who struggle and need someone to share the journey with. I hope you are experiencing some greater peace, and that you discovered some answers on your journey to Boston. I have been thinking of you, especially when you were in my neck of the woods. Blessings to you each and every moment of your life, Erin
November 19, 2012 at 8:40 PM
Erin, thank you from my heart. I think about my decision to begin this blog… and was very hesitant to hare my personal plight…. was planning to just post photos as that was my own new strategy (photography) for self-healing. It was amazing how as time evolved I received such incredible support and understanding from our community here. I knew I was comfortable revealing more — but knew I could never have a blog that was just about the pain. I had to reach for some light to offer my readers, and knew also I wanted to be honest and real too. If I offer inspiration to even a handful here… my heart is happy. As for Boston ~ well, it the beginning of looking deeper into my issues rather than just jumping on someones OR table (which I was ready to do given my latest discoveries and progressive levels of pain and disability). This dr. sort of made me take pause, and thus I am trying some less invasive things for now — perhaps will be included in a study at Harvard ~ and also trying to determine how much of my pain is mechanical and how much is mediated by my traumatized nervous system. It is a journey ~ yes …. Blessings and Love to you always ~ xo Robyn
November 20, 2012 at 11:13 AM
X. You are the strength and beauty we all hope to be, should this ever befall those of us who are not in chronic pain. You are a true marvel dear. The largest of hugs. Much love Robyn. Xoxoxo
November 19, 2012 at 9:21 PM
Thank you so much my dearest Lady Day (RL) ~ always appreciate your love and encouragement … the blessing of friendship. x R
November 20, 2012 at 11:16 AM
🙂
November 19, 2012 at 10:04 PM
Sending you good thoughts today dearest one ~ 🙂 RL
November 20, 2012 at 11:16 AM
“brave, beautiful and creatively spirited” now those are the words I would have chosen to describe you… I listened to her interview .. and find it difficult to comprehend what you are actually going through.. as a man I’m probably atypical… get a headache and most men want to die, or think they are, I, having suffered from migraines since I was 7, have built a pain tolerance over the years… not that I don’t feel it, but I find I can continue to operate (partially) during a migraine… but then a migraine once every 3 – 4 months is a big enough pain in the butt, or should I say head, but to be in constant pain is incomprehensible..
The figures quoted of how many suffer this debilitating ailment astounds me, and yet when I research it, it appears as though women can tolerate pain far more so than men. So many men turn to the drug of alcohol, seeking the dulling effect it has, and this so often ends with them becoming alcoholics, probably worst than enduring the pain (being one that is dry now for 24 years I should know).
However I digress, I will never be able to understand the pain you suffer, the debilitation of the ailment, or the fact that you can, through all this, produce the most fantastic poetry and take the most stunning photography, and always to be so sweet and kind in your comments on peoples blogs.. (yes I do read what you write on other blogs as well)… you are a pillar of strength to so many others on this WWW and an inspiration to me… Keep up the strength and fantastic demeanor with which you treat all others… you are an Angel in disguise….
November 19, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Wow. What a kind comment. I agree with Bulldogs thoughts about you Sea Sis 🙂
November 19, 2012 at 11:00 PM
xo Sam 🙂 thank you darling!
November 20, 2012 at 3:15 PM
Bulldog, thank you so much for your unyielding sensitivity. I don’t think it’s a man/woman thing as far as being able to comprehend this, it’s just very very personal. I know that before I was 30, I was a sensitive compassionate person, but could NEVER have understood. It’s very much experiential I believe. You do build up reserves of amazing tolerance when plagued with ongoing pain…just as you explained about your migraines (I know those well too btw)… I have read women are more pain sensitive due to hormonal balance and such ~ but I think severe pain is awful for both sexes … and what you say about turning to alcohol or drugs… all too common and a huge problem. My pain was not responsive to even very strong narcotics – and alcohol used to bring down the muscle spasm for a few minutes – but not very helpful, so I guess I’m safe from temptation there. Right now I’m not able to tolerate any narcotic meds due to a condition of my bile ducts ~ so maybe in some ways a good thing, though with potentially big surgeries in my future -and I do wish I could indulge for this.
You my friend – a champion at 24 years. I am so proud of you and happy to know this. A spirit like yours … should have clarity and remain free of anything that can subtract from its brilliance. I am forever grateful for your support and friendship bd ~ Blessings and Love always, RL
November 20, 2012 at 3:10 PM
Huge healing hugs to a huge ray of sunshine soul. I just swell up with joy and love around you and your gift to the world. I am sorry for your pain and suffering, but I am ever greatful for your spirit. 🙂
November 19, 2012 at 10:59 PM
Sam ~ thank you for the hugs ~ always welcomed here! It’s all about the sprit isn’t it my dear sweet friend. So blessed to know you and always appreciate all that is you! xo RL
November 20, 2012 at 3:17 PM
I am a kingdom of breaths
pain lines my pathways
Hope travels from
Mirage to mirage.
Smiles are my milestones.
November 19, 2012 at 11:23 PM
Once again Nika ~ speechless …
you manage to take even my most sober posts (about pain)
and turn them into something very magical and hopeful.
Smiles are wonderful milestones ~ have achieved one here today ~ thank you~R
November 20, 2012 at 5:13 PM
Now..let smiles be the way go
smiles you befriend and
Smiles you know …
Forever …
November 20, 2012 at 7:18 PM
I just watched the interview and can see why Lynne is such an inspiration, as you are yourself, Robyn. I learn so much from you, dearest friend – Juliexx
November 19, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Thank yo so much Julie ~ yes this book came to me at a time I felt very alone in all this. I was very much grateful for having Lynne’s story to validate that I was not alone – and there was hope for rising above the challenge. I know you know all about this…. xxoo Love to you wonderful lady ~ RL
November 20, 2012 at 7:27 PM
Dearest, I am recently diagnosed with chronic pain…it is the early-mid stages but progressive surely, even as I have witnessed in this past year. I don’t know if this is the “same” as what you speak of…neuralgia, neuro-muscular pain…,has done job at “taking over”…but I am still very early in the illness. I have not shared it….How??….You are an inspiration to me, your peace and spirituality, so beautiful, you are poetry in being, Love, Linda
November 20, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Oh dearest Linda ~ I did not realize this was something you were confronting. There are so many varieties of chronic pain syndromes… I have learned so much over my 2 decades of navigating this journey… so please, if ever I can be a resource for you — do not hesitate to email me. Yes – neuralgia and neuromuscular pain are terms I am all too familiar with. It is tricky to know what pain is governed by mechanical causes, and which pain is emanating from the nervous system itself. I truly believe that if there are no mechanical factors, or grave disease processes — you can do so much to treat/heal yourself. You of course would be masterful as self-healing, just knowing what I do about your open heart and graceful spirit. Please – do not hesitate to contact me Linda, if ever I can be of service to you. If even I can be a small inspiration, I feel blessed.
Love to you today and always ~ Robyn
November 20, 2012 at 7:34 PM
Hi Robyn, thank you for the advice on this book, I have ordered and really looking forward to reading it. Can I just say that of the small handful of inspirational people there are in the world for me you are most definitely one of them. I hope you pain isn’t causing you too many problems at the moment and I’m sending lots of love over to you.x
November 20, 2012 at 6:52 AM
Yes Chirs ~ it was your post that made me reflect a lot on my memory of this book!! I think you will learn a lot reading it, and although it’s not all ‘pretty’ it’s a story told in such a way that is palatable, genuine and artistic. I admire Lynne for being able to do this — as many memoirs about pain and illness that I’ve read have not accomplished this.and often lose the reader before the important messages are conveyed. I think you will relate on a lot of levels. Sending hugs and lots of love ~ R
November 20, 2012 at 7:39 PM
Thank you for a better education into your condition, Robyn. Did Anna Nicole really suffer from the same disease? Did I hear that right?
Lynne Greenburg really made me think about my own life. I do not relate to constant body pain and having to live with it, but I do relate to having to live with emotional pain, after losing my son. And yes, everything changes in an instant. One minute there was this perfect life, and in another….The same things apply; having to find a way to live your life with this constant pain that becomes a part of who you are. You MAKE yourself do things, you have to reconstruct the way you live to support the pain that is always there. I want to read the book for that reason, because it makes me realize that pain is pain, and is simply felt in different ways. You, me, and millions of others have to bear all this for whatever reason.
Thank you so much Robyn. We’re all in the same boat, and I thank you for sharing.
November 20, 2012 at 10:11 AM
So welcome Yaz ~ and glad you were able to glean some insight for yourself ~ yes – to reinvent your life around “what is” … regardless if the pain is emotional or physical – to find joy and meaning and purpose in the face of struggle. As you say ~ it’s a reconstruction project.
As for Smith, I am not completely certain, and I think since she was a playboy model, she was cast into a category of drug abusive behavior quite quickly. I have read she had medical conditions like Lupus and others, causing her severe chronic pain, in addition to suffering depression after the loss of her son. I also have read that she was taking an inordinate amount of prescription medications (obtained by her legitimate doctors)… and her cause of death was overdose.
It is a fine line between controlling pain, and feeding addiction.
I am fortunate that I never found myself faced with this dilemma as my pain is very much mechanical (joints literally go off track/subluxate) and I have never been able to get good relief from medication that would prove addictive…. not even morphine was capable of addressing the pain I feel. As it turns out, I have another medical condition now that prohibits me from taking any narcotic medication at all – even post-surgery. … so will never be able to fall into this arena of addition risk.
You might be interested to know (if you do not already) that John F. Kennedy, during his term as president, was amongst those also plagued with severe chronic pain, and all the emotional strife that goes with it. Amongst other things, he had a component of ‘chronic myofascial’ pain, which is extremely debilitating and difficult to treat. I too have this layer in my syndrome. Here is a very interesting NY Times article that details some of his own plight ~ and also his encounter with trying to control his condition with medication that was legally obtained from his physicians:
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/17/us/in-jfk-file-hidden-illness-pain-and-pills.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm
I was fascinated to learn this about JFK ~ have watched documentaries on his struggle etc. It is interesting how few people know about this, and nobody would have ever considered our beloved JFK as someone who faced this plight on a daily basis, and relied on meds to function.
I agree Yaz ~ all in the same boat, and just very grateful that we have such a wide system of support and community here to share.
Much Love to you ~ Robyn
November 20, 2012 at 11:49 AM
You’re right Robyn. We have a good system of support here. Thanks for the info. I cannot believe that JFK suffered too. I shall go and read the article. Have a nice evening if you can, Robyn. Lots of love.
November 20, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Thank you for writing such a poignant post Robyn. I will look forward to reading Lynne’s book. You, dear woman, exemplify such courage and grace and are such an inspiration to all of us. I cannot imagine being the light you are to the world with the chronic pain you live with. You have touched my heart deeply with your story and I pray that someone in the medical community can find a solution to ease your suffering. I love your new gravatar. To me it shows a beautiful young woman who seems to be at peace, perhaps the inner peace that emanates from such a gentle spirit.
November 20, 2012 at 10:39 PM
LuaAnn ~ truly am speechless…. your words mean so much. Very very touched that the post was one you could embrace and understand. I often feel a bit shy about sharing my plight, though I know others, and loved ones of others reading may identify and perhaps feel less alone to learn of the journey that I travel. I also think there ought to be more of a voice for those who suffer with chronic pain and illness… very hard to have a strong voice when we are coping with the daily struggles of the condition. I know I looked for education and guidance in this respect when this was new to me, and still do. Very blessed to know you LuAnn ~ and thank you so much for your support and loving encouragement always here… Much Love ~ Robyn ps: also thanks for the compliment on my new gravitar! As I told Penny, was just done with a long hot shower, and took it of self on iphone while in bathrobe 😉
November 21, 2012 at 5:59 PM
When we are suffering, I believe it is always relieved by knowing that we are not making the journey alone. I have learned so much from all of you and am grateful that you felt you could share with the rest of us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Robyn. 🙂
November 21, 2012 at 6:22 PM
Thank you for sharing this Robyn! This hit so close to home. Most of the issues I have now started with neck pain and resulting neck and lower back surgery. I have some “bling” in my neck too. My life as I knew it changed drastically and most places in my body experience chronic pain. The long list of drugs in the video made me cringe because that’s what mine looked like, and I had many extreme side effects. I am not on any medications now. I have been seeing a craniosacral therapist for the last two years who has helped me the most with the physical issues, after doctors said they couldn’t do any more for me. Now an accident that happened in an instant a few days ago has set me back at least several weeks and increased my pain significantly.
Are there any new hopeful words from the doctors for you? Sending you hugs!
November 21, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Oh gosh Fergie ~ I am so sorry to hear this. It does seem once we have a number of assaults and surgeries to the damaged structures, there is aftermath that may include mis-firing of signals from the central nervous system causing more widespread pain. Have you heard of Central Sensitization? I know what you are saying about the medication strategies employed today. Over the 19 years I’ve been dealing with this, there have been many promises of drugs that might treat or cure, and it’s an easy way for our physician to offer hope, but to be honest, like you and Lynne, medicating just never seemed to be my answer – and usually caused new problems. I take as little as possible these days – and avoid anything with potential for physical dependency. It is wonderful that the craniosacral therapist is helpful for you. I saw one many years ago as my issues began with headaches that were relieved by manipulating my pelvis… definite connection between the top and bottom. I would keep with that if it has helped. Maybe should revisit myself as never benefited much back then. I hope your therapist can get you back to baseline since this latest accident you mentioned. I will keep you in heart and prayer. I’m still in midst of investigation and trials… perhaps a research study I may be eligible for. We shall see.. one step at a time ~ let’s just keep hope, poetry and photography alive and well – and my friend! Much Love ~ R
November 21, 2012 at 6:22 PM
I am glad you went looking for someone to relate too….So many isolate themselves by think nobody understands their struggle. We all know struggle; We just face different demons, but have the same will to overcome it. We are surrounded by assist, we just have to be strong enough to reach out our hands!!!! Continue on continuing!!!!
November 22, 2012 at 7:06 AM
Thanks so much for this book recommendation Robyn – I will be investing in it as memoirs are so interesting and thought provoking. xx
December 3, 2012 at 5:43 AM
Oh glad you might look at it Ruth… think you might enjoy. She is a fabulous writer…and it’s probably top on my list of books that describe the plight of chronic pain. She manages to bring poetry and art into an otherwise heartbreaking story. Also just really like “her” too ~ as her strength in character is easily felt in her memoir. xxoo
December 3, 2012 at 3:39 PM