Wonder after pain
Updated: Aug 24
The early morning sunlight is glimmering through the trees as I gaze through our sunroom windows. Shimmers dance upon various parts of the little pond and stream and the yellow jonquils lift themselves towards the light. There is new life all over the garden as Spring is approaching and birds of all kinds dive in and out of the trees and sing with happy songs. Noticing. Taking the time to notice and wonder is important for my own healing. I have been recovering from an unexpected full knee replacement surgery. This is a tough surgery for anyone and you have to alternately exercise, rest, more movement and so on. And anything else that can help you accept the implant in your body and heal. Healing occurs on different levels. Spiritual and physical. For those unfamiliar with this type of surgery, afterwards there is massive pain from 2 to 4 weeks (every person is different), then a settling down gradually as the knee implant becomes more familiar. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. For you get to a point where you realise that you slept a few hours instead of two, or the swelling has gone and the surgery pain is no more, and you have more flexibility. And you realise all of this with gratitude and wonder.
The 'wonder' here for me includes the walking without pain as I remember what it was for me before, and realising that now I can even dance a little. Kneeling is not advised, so I adapt other exercises including Reformer Pilates which I returned to a couple of weeks ago, but most other movements are ok. It is a matter of listening to my body and resting whenever it needs it. Being kind to my body and honouring and looking after it as the container of my soul and spirit. I think of the painting that I did two days prior to surgery which was a wish/longing to be able to dance again at home. It was an expression one of my soul desires. And the wonder is that I have been able to do this for 3 weeks now.
As I write this post I am past 10 weeks after surgery and I write to encourage others who are going through similar necessary surgery. There are waves and troughs with all surgery. And it's like finding your own way to ride the waves and feel safe to be calm in the midst of the pain and darkness. For healing - physical and spiritual - is an ongoing journey. No person has the same experience. We all have different pain levels or responses to pain. Just remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself - for life goes on. And look for the glimmers of hope, resilience and wonder as you navigate the new with gratitude and hope. Blessings.
-Karen
Photo & Words: ©Karen Curran Original 2026 The Heart of Us
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