Images from the Heart: Unfettering Chronic Pain by Celeste Cooper

Treasures come in many forms and can mean different things to different people. When we discover our treasure—a lost picture, a rare doll, a long sought after coin, or a rock—it brings a twinkle to our eye and provides a calm blanket to our soul. Ahhhh, there it is.

[Excerpt] Cooper, C and Miller, J. Broken Body Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, Spring Devotions edition, One Man’s Junk Is another Man’s Treasure.

A Treasure in Time

 “What we see depends mainly on what we look for.”

~John Lubbock, author of The Pleasures of Life

Unchained and reclaimed—photography speaks

Each day in the Broken Body Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain  series Spring — Summer — Fall — Winter offers a photograph meant to inspire new ways for managing the daily challenges we face. So, it’s only befitting to encourage you to do this exercise.

·        Find a favorite photo and name it. You may not remember all the events surrounding the picture, but you will capture how it made you feel.

·        Write a few words about it or assign a favorite quote that reflects your sentiments.

·        Share it on social media or keep it in a personal journal.

In the world of chronic pain and chronic illness, losing our ability to choose is often the tallest hurdle we face. This choice is entirely ours; we should embrace it.  

Metered, measured, and meaningful, light allows me to capture my feelings in the moment. Finding the right settings is a metaphor to finding the balance I need to move forward each day.

In healing,,Celeste

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Steep Drop-offs: Nagging Pain and Our Sixth Sense by Celeste Cooper

Nagging pain and our sixth sense, are you in touch with your body? Do you listen when your body talks?

Playing to Our Sixth Sense

A sampling of topics found in  Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, Spring Devotions

• Listen to what our body has to say.
• Identify new activities, medication, food, or disrupted sleep pattern that could be contributing to our pain.
• Surrender to our sixth sense.
• Know the “yeast beast”.
• SAM-e?
• Sort the mail of our mind.
• Identify and pay attention to perpetuating factors.
• Keep our candles burning?
• Know our body and mind stress signs.
• Surrender is not an option.
• Hellerwork?
• Kindness is an antidepressant.
• Medication safety and reporting.
• Plan-Implement-reevaluate.
• Watch out for steep drop-offs.
• … and much more.

"This, the last of Celeste and Jeff's four seasonal devotions books, may just be the best of all. From its practical suggestions to its inspirational quotes and photos, Spring Devotions offers chronic pain sufferers daily bite-sized, easily digestible tidbits that educate, encourage and empower us to take control of our health and our lives. And as someone who likes to jot down personal thoughts in my devotionals, I especially appreciate the extra space for notes. All in all, Broken Body, Wounded Spirit…: Spring Devotions is a valuable asset for anyone living with chronic pain."

~Karen Lee Richards, Editor-in-Chief, Pro Health

Balancing Chronic Pain in Spring

I thank our readers. It is through your encouragement that I am sustained and lifted up daily. Every time I read a particular quote, a comment from you, a research article or advocacy piece, I think of you!

In healing,,Celeste

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Ten Lessons from Pain by Celeste Cooper

Ten Lessons From Pain

“There is a difference in living a packed life and living a full life.”

~Celeste Cooper

Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain, Spring Devotions

There is always a lesson in adversity and living with chronic pain and/or chronic illness is no exception. When I sit quietly like the little wren, life’s messages whisper in the wind and fall upon my ear. In these moments I find purpose in the choices I make.  

Ten Lessons from Pain

(1)  Acceptance of what is.

(2) Compassion for the less fortunate.

(3)  Change is not a bad word.

(4)  Humility is a virtue.

(5)  Strength in not surrendering to stressors.

(6)  Commitment to self and others.

(7)  Flexibility to roll with the flow.

(8) Appreciation for things we would otherwise take for granted.

(9)  Empathy, we are on a level playing field.

(10) Patience, our inbox is not supposed to be empty.

[Excerpt, Day Seventy-five]

Each day in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit series is followed by a thought provoking question and the Spring Edition is no exception. So, what ten lessons have you learned from living with chronic pain and illness?

Spring Edition

In healing,,Celeste

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Freelance Writer at Health Central & ProHealth —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about Celeste’s books at her website or find links here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Inspiration for Reclaiming Control over Pain and Illness

A Beholding Forest©

A respite in the Rockies is something my husband and I have enjoyed for thirty-five years and since we are in our sixth and seventh decades of life, we are grateful to have done it yet again. It’s a marriage retreat of sorts, a time to appreciate my husband’s hard work, allowing me to use my photography to escape into the bowels of majesty.

I feel an intimacy with nature, wild flowers coloring the landscape, wild animals outside our RV door, rainbows that astound us and pink sunsets that devour our sensibilities. I am touched by my husband’s desire to find joy in something I love. My soul is awakened when I hear these words…

Come quick; grab your camera!

Young Buck Innocence©

Early fall makes itself known in the mountains where summer is short. The aspen’s are beginning to turn and as their  leaves shudder to meet the sun’s rays, I am reminded that the warm days of summer will soon give way to crisp chilly air that awakens the season of harvest and preparation.

Chronic pain and illness dictates that we adapt to change. But, unlike nature’s beings, it isn’t always instinctive. I know I need daily reminders on how to apply the things I learned when writing our first book  (with contributions of my co-author, Jeff Miller, PhD).

Fall is looming and change is upon us. Find out how you can adapt as nature does by using the daily tips in the Fall Devotions edition of the book series. If you already have the book, it's time to get it out and re-explore. I suspect you will see things from a different perspective this year, and you will learn something new to share.

Find detailed information at CelesteCooper.com:  

• About ​Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the SeeSaw of Chronic Pain, FALL DEVOTIONS
• Table of Contents
• Endorsements - Inside the Cover

  

September is pain awareness month and a busy one for those of us who advocate for balanced affordable care for everyone. My greatest desire as an RN is for patients to have choices. It’s empowering to reclaim control over the thing we can change, and I hope you find Fall Devotions helps you do that.

Here’s to a colorful and hearty fall season.

Available:

Amazon in paperback 

Kindle version 

Amazon UK Kindle 

Amazon Canada Kindle 

Barnes and Nobel paperback 

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

A Spring Metaphor - Sculpting Our Thoughts on Pain

Though we have an idea of what to expect, spring unfolds differently. This year, we saw new records, and new challenges. In some places, spring came early and gave us a countryside bursting with color and new life, while other places are experiencing a late winter. This change and unpredictability is a metaphor for those of us who live with pain and chronic illness.

Our thought seedlings give life to our spirit and allow us to see challenges as motivators. But, some storms rock the earth beneath our feet. As a migraineur, spring storms throw me to the floor and knock the wind out of me. However, when I stand up again with my partner, challenge -- I will lead; I will rumba in a new direction and thank the spring storm for its nourishment to the earth and for providing me promise of new life. 

I find great strength, comfort, and diversion through poetry and photography, and I am thankful that I have found ways to fill up my thought spaces by writing for others who share this journey with me. The following photo and poem are excerpts from Spring Devotions in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain series.

               Day 4 – Learning to Rumba to Rumbles

To Rumba with the Universe

by Celeste Cooper

Twinkles of light rumba across the morning dew,

While butterflies dance in the wind.

Tumbleweeds glide across the earth's open fields,

Blown away in time to explore a new path.

Fear cleansed by rain exchanged for the joy of freshness,

The sky opens, the sun bumps against clouds.

Renewal of spirit, the earth in cadence with my wits,

All in rhythm, as if, I rumba with the universe.

Thought Seedlings

Do you rumba? Do you like the name I gave the photo? What would you name it?  

Take a stab at changing up my poem to make it yours. My poems are not perfect, I share them so my readers know they can also express feelings and touch a sense of self. 

"Imperfection is relatable." 

Lauren Conrad

Tell me what you think in your comments, because I love to hear how it speaks from your heart to mine. In healing, Celeste

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Learn more about what’s between the covers of Spring Devotions book edition here. http://www.celestecooper.com/spring-devotions.

Thank you to our readers for your kind thoughts and uplifting reviews of Spring Devotions in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain Series. Too all our new readers, welcome.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615958664/

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

A Winter Metaphor - Sculpturing Our Thoughts on Pain

Each season offers change and this winter reminds us of how different each season can be from year to year. We have seen some game changers, new records, and new challenges, because like pain, this winter is turning out to be anything but predictable. So as we think about the winter of our symptoms, maybe we can imagine the beauty of being able to sculpt our thoughts like the driving force of a winter storm creates a beautiful snow drift that inspires our imagination and leaves us in awe. 

The winter season is often compared to death. In this case, it is the dying off of old thoughts and destructive behaviors. Because of this, we must experience many feelings, good and bad, so we can be born into a new way of thinking about chronic pain and how it affects us all.… Confronting chronic pain takes constant reminders…motivation to stay focused on goals and achievements.… Come with us as we walk the barren winter land, appreciating the necessity to rid ourselves of previous perceptions and prepare for the spring season of rebirth.

 Excerpt from Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the SeeSaw of Chronic Pain, WINTER DEVOTIONS 

  

Day 34 - Ice Wonderland

The goal is to sculpt our thoughts so they lift us up, so they gleam like a beautiful ice sculpture. Paul Gileno, Founder/President of one of the largest pain advocacy groups, the US Pain Foundation   said in his pre-publication review of Winter Devotions what many of our readers have shared.

"Anyone with chronic pain can and will be helped by reading and using this book as a tool. It is the perfect blend of inspiration and helpful information to guide people on their pain journey, in fact, as a person with pain; I have learned some important techniques that have helped me."

So, as I look back to the beginning of winter, I reflect on what it has offered thus far. I spent four weeks recovering from pneumonia. I have had many interventional procedures for my pain and tests for those yet to come. But, I also celebrated with my dad as he reached a personal landmark in his life, ninety wonderful years. 

Talk about an inspiration. After bouncing over rough terrain as a heavy equipment operator nearly his entire adult life, his spine shows the wear and tear and it causes him pain. But that’s not all, he also has severe neuropathy, which has affected his ability to drive safely. As one who retained his driving skills to this day, this was troublesome. But, he did not wallow in self-pity; instead, he set about accepting the danger that could be involved, and began to think about how he could move forward. He got hand controls installed on his truck and passed the special drivers test with flying colors. The point is that in his 9th decade of life, he still knows how to adapt, to embrace change, and to make the best of a given situation. We talked after his big bash (over 100 people there). I asked, so dad, “what’s next on your agenda?” he said, “Well, I guess I will shoot for 100!” He is a champion; he has had more struggles than I would ever want for him, but despite any adversity, he sees opportunity. If his purpose is to inspire me, he has certainly done that.

So I leave you with this…I hope you will pick up a copy of Winter Devotions. You can use it as your guide every winter, because like the unpredictability of each season, our thoughts and ideas change too. We need reminders on how to go about creating a new sculpture, one different than the season or year before.  

One of the dearest people I have the pleasure of knowing, Myra Christopher said, “I love the very idea of 'Winter Devotions'. The struggle of living with chronic pain is compounded for many by the winter months when it is cold, damp, and often gloomy. Bones ache, joints hurts, and the spirit sometimes become depressed. This wonderful book provides a tool to help with those issues. The quotes, photography, and motivation of authors Celeste Cooper and Jeff Miller all bring much needed hope and relief.”

Myra J. Christopher, Kathleen M. Foley Chair in Pain and Palliative Care at the Center for Practical Bioethics, and Principal Investigator of the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a NationalStrategy.

An Amazon reviewer of the Spring Devotions book in the series shared her disappointment thinking the book was a Christian devotional. So, I want you to understand that each season (book) has daily “DEVOTIONS”, that offer inspiration, interaction, and information on how to care for ourselves. When we heal any aspect of our being by embracing the power of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, we reduce our suffering. Using our own experiences, we can inspire others who share our journey, and that is empowering. But, these books are not religious devotionals.

I encourage you to visit my website so you know what WinterDevotions is about by following the highlighted text. And if you are one of our readers, please leave a comment on Amazon. 

Amazon

US Paperback http://amazon.com/dp/0615924050

US Kindle http://amazon.com/dp/B00HAVXLYO/

UK Paperback http://www.amazon.uk/gp/product/0615924050/  

UK Kindle http://amazon.co.uk/dp/0615924050

CA Paperback http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0615924050/  

CA Kindle  http://amazon.ca//dp/0615924050

Barnes and Noble paperback http://barnesandnoble.com/w/1118942182?ean=9780615924052

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

Transforming the Pictures of Our Mind

In my last blog, The Setting, the Shutter, and the Power ofResolution, I talked about my 2015 New Year’s resolution. It's about translating 35mm film photography to my new digital SLR camera. The blog is more than that though; my story is a metaphor that unveils the face of opportunity when we are faced with the challenges associated with living with chronic pain and illness. 

A Universal Language

Most of you reading this blog know I am a writer of self-help books. If you have read any of the four books in the Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain series, co-authored with Jeff Miller, PhD, you know each day offers an exercise or a tidbit of information to inspire new ways for managing daily challenges. Each day begins with a picture chosen to convey a feeling on the topic at hand. They are positioned to do one of two things, reflect on our own treasured moments, or provoke us into action. A photojournalist knows the impact images have on him or her personally and in the hearts and minds of everyone who sees them. The language spoken through photography is universal.

“A picture held us captive. And we could not get outside it, 

for it lay in our language and language seemed to repeat it to us inexorably.”

― Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations

The Influence of a Title

Titling a picture seems like such a simple thing. However, it has a powerful impact on how the photo speaks to us and it provides infinite possibilities for bringing life into focus. While my title may be different from yours, it still reflects a personal journey and allows us to explore our feelings. You don’t have to be a photographer to do this.

Exercise:
Find a favorite photo, name it, and then write a few words about the feelings it brings to surface. You might not remember the date, or even the circumstances surrounding the photo, but you will remember how it made you feel.

The power of photos is evident; they have become a visual experience that is shared across social media. When our emotions erupt, we find camaraderie as human beings. We can share our journey, photographer or not, the connections are universal.

Looking Beyond Clouds

The Embodiment of a Pain Advocate.

This picture is from Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the SeeSaw of Chronic Pain, Winter Devotions. I chose this particular photo for day sixteen, "Advocating for Pain” to represent several things. Living with chronic pain and illness can cloud our judgment. It can bring about tumultuous feelings, and sometimes cast a shadow over our desires. But, it’s more than that to me. This picture also represents a ray of light in the darkness, the promise of a bright sky, and treetops that lift our spirit upwards. For me, the telephone lines represent the connection and power we have to make a difference through advocacy. So, ad hoc, after the fact, I shall name this picture, “The Embodiment of a Pain Advocate.” 

What would you name it, and why?

Unchain Your Imagination

Experts tell us the power of a photo transcends all generations. So, next time you come across a shared photograph think outside the box. Take a moment; be flexible in your thinking.

Years ago in an effort to raise my endorphins through laughter, I began a photo journal of animals. I saved them for my personal enjoyment and I named them something that would spark the laughter that became buried by pain and illness. I resurrected my inner goofiness through laughter and photographs.  

We are born with an imagination and when we use it wisely, we loosen the grip chronic illness can create. Unchain your imagination. Share the creativity that lives within you.

~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. 

2 Day Free Book Download - WINTER DEVOTIONS, Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain (Series)

Just in time for the winter season, we are giving our readers a free download of the Kindle version on Saturday, December 13, 2014 beginning 12:00 AM PST ending Sunday December 14, 2014 at midnight. No thanks necessary, but it would make us ecstatic if you would leave a review on Amazon. 

Happy Holidays

Download at:

http://amazon.com/dp/B00HAVXLYO/

Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain (Series)

WINTER DEVOTIONS

by Celeste Cooper, RN, BSN and Jeff Miller, PhD

There is nothing charismatic about chronic pain. Pain is greedy and demanding. It consumes our time, our relationships, and our function; it threatens everything that is important in our lives, and threatens to rob us of our character and our dignity.

The winter season is often compared to dying. This death allows us to come full circle and prepare for new ways of thinking, ways that allow us to reclaim control and defend ourselves against the grotesque monster that creates fear, agony, loneliness, and resentment.

Sharing their medical expertise, and Celeste as patient and advocate, the authors start with a blank canvas as white as the pure driven snow, full of possibilities. Offering a blend of integrative therapies and day by day tidbits of wisdom, the authors encourage their readers finalize to create a picture worth a thousand words, and encourage them to explore their unique, and sometimes, universal experiences. 

Join in as we walk the barren winter landscape that is necessary to rid ourselves of previous conceptions as we prepare for the spring season of rebirth.

 

Published by ImPress Media (2013)

ISBN:  13: 978-0615924052   ASIN (Kindle Ebook): B00HAVXLYO

Available at all major online retailers in 6” x 9” paperback.

“This lovely book of devotions is rich with insight and practical suggestions for any one with chronic pain. It is filled witch inspirational and healing words dealing with topics from nutrition, exercise and sleep to relating successfully to your doctor.”

~Susan E. Opper, MD, Medical Director of Saint Luke’s Pain Management Services, Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.

“I love the very idea of “Winter Devotions”.   The struggle of living with chronic pain is compounded for many by the winter months when it is cold, damp, and often gloomy.  Bones ache, joints hurts, and the spirit sometimes become depressed. This wonderful book provides a tool to help with those issues.  The quotes, photography and motivation of authors Celeste Cooper and Jeff Miller all bring much needed hope and relief.”

~Myra J. Christopher, Kathleen M. Foley Chair in Pain and Palliative Care at the Center for Practical Bioethics and Principal Investigator of the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy.

and more...

(See Reverse)

"...When pain is in 'boss mode,' it detracts from our innate need to socialize and contribute, and confronting chronic pain takes constant reminders..."

Following are a few thought provoking questions you interact with Winter Devotions:

• How can I find balance in my strengths and weakness?
• How can I clear my path today and take out unnecessary accumulated thoughts?
• How can I change my word energy?
• How does freeing memories make me feel?
• How can I make healthy substitutions this winter?
• What do those pain terms mean?
• How can I overcome procrastination?
• Is there something here I would like to explore?
• On the pain scale, what is my ten?
• What is something I always wanted to try, but never made the time? 
• What rules do I want for my journal?
• What can I do to maintain and build healthy relationships?
• Have I thought about my choices? 
• How can I redirect pain when it gets bossy?

Read more about other books by these authors at http://CelesteCooper.com  (About the Books Tab)