Liberation Over Suffering: Why Healing Should Be Part of a Spiritual Path
The experience of chronic pain can be isolating, frustrating, and full of questions…
For many people of faith, it can raise deep questions, like:
Is my chronic pain a punishment for something I’ve done?
Does my suffering serve a greater purpose?
If I have faith, why hasn’t my pain been healed?
Is my pain a part of God’s plan / my spiritual journey?
Does having chronic pain mean I lack faith or spiritual strength?
If you worry that pain is punishment or that you are somehow deserving of this suffering—I wrote this post for you.
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul.
John Muir
I’m a spiritual person…
…but I’m also a mental health provider who’s passionate about debunking the notion that pain is some sort of divine condemnation. After growing up in a small, little-known religion, I spent my adult life exploring many belief systems—from my roots in Zoroastrianism, to yoga and Buddhist principles, to the wisdom of Indigenous earth medicine. And through all of this, I’ve come to believe that we are spiritual beings meant for growth, joy, and liberation.
Suffering is part of the human experience, but it’s not something we need to take on as a virtue.
Too often, I’ve seen clients feel trapped in their pain because they believe it’s “meant to be,” or that it’s a necessary part of their spiritual journey. I get it—the idea that suffering is part of God's plan or that enduring pain will lead to some greater spiritual enlightenment is a pervasive one. In many faith traditions, it’s a deeply ingrained belief that to endure hardship without complaint is a path to righteousness or divine favor. And it can be an especially enticing idea when it feels like there’s no other way out of the pain. But I wholeheartedly reject that idea. Pain is not “destined.” It’s not a punishment.
And there’s nothing righteous about sticking with it or pushing through it simply because we think we have to.
In fact, I believe that healing is not only allowed, but it can come easy. I know this might sound surprising, especially given that chronic pain often feels like an endless struggle. But I truly believe that when healing does come with ease, we should trust it. We don’t have to doubt it or feel guilty for experiencing relief. Healing isn’t always easy, of course, but it can be. And that’s why I feel strongly about challenging the harmful belief that pain is something we’re meant to endure indefinitely, vs. something we’re allowed to move through and beyond.
Yes, there is space for growth from pain.
It actually has a name—post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG refers to the positive changes that can happen after experiencing a traumatic event. While trauma often leads to suffering, some people find that, over time, they develop new strengths, perspectives, or a deeper sense of purpose from the experience. PTG doesn't mean the trauma was "good" or that the pain was necessary, but rather that people can grow in meaningful ways through the healing process.
Pain (emotional or physical) can catalyze profound change, and yes, it can be a teacher. But that doesn’t mean we have to treat pain like a sacred burden to bear. Healing is part of the process, too. We don’t have to feel like it’s wrong to seek comfort, let go of the burden, or actively work towards a life defined by purpose (instead of suffering).
I also think there’s a distinction between healing and avoiding. Healing is about learning to live a full life, even in the face of challenges. It’s not about pretending we aren’t in pain, but it’s about not letting the suffering define or trap us. As a psychologist, I’ve watched people feel deeply connected to their faith yet remain stuck because they believe their suffering is supposed to be this way. It’s as if they’ve bought into the idea that pain is a punishment or a spiritual test. And I want to free people from that mindset—if they want it, too.
For me, spirituality means allowing ourselves to grow, heal, and experience joy.
I’m deeply rooted in the idea that we’re here to live fully and to experience pleasure, even amidst the inevitable hardships that come with being human. This perspective is something I hold dearly for myself, and it’s helped me make sense of the more challenging seasons of life. It’s also shaped the way I approach healing as a provider. My goal is to support your liberation, your joy, and your highest good. That’s why I believe pain doesn’t have to be the cornerstone of your spiritual journey. It’s not only possible—but essential—to seek comfort and healing, and I believe that’s what honors our spiritual truths.
For me, pain isn’t a sign of divine disfavor, nor is it some test to prove our faith. It’s a part of life, but it’s not the whole story. So if you’re struggling, if you feel trapped in your pain or question whether it’s “meant” to be this way, I want you to know that seeking relief isn’t a betrayal of your faith—it’s a part of the human experience. Jesus, for example, didn’t tell the sick to “suffer more” as a form of glory. Instead, he healed the sick, offered compassion, and urged people to love their bodies and lives as gifts.
There’s no shame in seeking healing. Whether that’s through medical treatment, physical or psychological therapy, or simply embracing the healing that feels authentic to you. Unfortunately, there can be a misconception in some traditions or cultures that to seek relief is to show weakness or a lack of faith. But in reality, recognizing your need for healing isn’t placing doubt on the divine, but instead amplifying your inherent worth as a divine being. It’s about acknowledging that you—as a spiritual being living a human existence—are deserving of comfort, ease, and peace.
Sometimes all a soul needs to hear is:
I see you, I feel you, I have faith in you.
Jaiya John
We are here for a purpose.
To learn, to grow, and to experience joy. Pain doesn’t define that purpose—it can teach us, yes, but it’s not the only path to wisdom or peace. So, if you’re struggling with chronic pain and wondering whether it’s part of some divine plan, I invite you to consider this:
Healing is part of the divine plan, too.
Allow it, embrace it, and let it guide you to the freedom and joy that you deserve.
You deserve to feel joy, freedom, and liberation in your life.
And I believe it’s possible to get there—no matter your background or beliefs. If you’re ready to explore what healing can look and feel like in your life, I’d love to work with you.
Reach out today to start your journey towards authentic and full living.
Alcove Mental Health provides psychological evaluations and online therapy for chronic pain, health-related stress and individuals coping with complex medical conditions in over 40 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.