About Gabby Gingras, Pain, Death,…
The significance of “negative” emotions in our lives
Gabby Gingras, grapples with a unique medical condition preventing her from experiencing pain. She was born with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), an exceedingly uncommon nervous system disorder. Gabby confronts daily risks from injuries like aches, sprains, and burns, which typically act as warning signs for others to exercise caution or seek medical attention. When she was young, Gabby had nearly blinded herself by scratching her eyes with her own fingers — as she didn’t have pain to tell her to stop.
Throughout our lives, we might try to avoid emotions such as Pain, Death, Rejection, Failure, Isolation, Betrayal, and Regret, often without realizing that these experiences could be instrumental in fostering our growth — both spiritually and socially… physically as well as emotionally.
Trivial examples that illustrates my point, a bit tangentially though. When I had COVID-19 and temporarily lost my sense of smell; throughout those 20 to 30 days, I inadvertently burnt rice multiple times as I neglected to turn off the gas when it reached the boiling point. I would often neglect cleaning the cats’ litter box since I no longer had the essential olfactory cue that used to prompt me to attend to that task.
Rather than shying away from these “negative” emotions — we should discipline / train ourselves to look these feelings squarely in their eyes — like Stoics taught us to.
Pain often serves as a powerful teacher, & can lead to increased resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Embracing failure allows for self-reflection, learning from mistakes, and developing the resilience needed to overcome obstacles on the path to achievement.
Solitude provides the chance to understand one’s own needs, desires, and values, fostering personal growth and a stronger sense of self.
Experiencing betrayal is a catalyst for building stronger, more authentic connections with others.
Regret prompts self-reflection, encouraging us to align our actions with values and goals, ultimately leading to personal development and fulfilment.
And Death is a constant reminder to use our time well, not squandering it on scrolling through Insta reels and binge-watching Netflix! The randomness associated with Death is a kicker that underscores the urgency to prioritize meaningful pursuits.
As Marcus Aurelius said ”Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.”
🍁Hope you found this useful !
