, the
reaction after the pain is over--that alone would show the very sad
misuse which had been made of a strong will. Not that there need be no
reaction; but it follows naturally that the more strain brought to bear
upon the nervous system in endurance, the greater must be the reaction
when the load is lifted. Indeed, so well is this known in the medical
profession, that it is a surgical axiom that the patient who most
completely controls his expression of pain will be the greatest
sufferer from the subsequent reaction. While there is so much pain to
be endured in this world, a study of how best to bear it certainly is
not out of place, especially when decided practical effects can be
quickly shown as the result of such study. So prevalent is the idea
that a pain is better borne by clinching the fists and tightening all
other muscles in the body correspondingly, that I know the possibility
of a better or more natural mode of endurance will be laughed at by
many, and others will say, "That is all very well for those who can
relax to a pain,--let them gain from it, I cannot; it is natural for me
to set my teeth and bear it." There is a distinct difference between
what is natural to us and natural to Nature, although the first term is
of course misused.

Pain comes from an abnormal state of some part of the nervous system.
The more the nerves are strained to bear pain, the more sensitive they
become; and of course those affected immediately feel most keenly the
increased sensitiveness, and so the pain grows worse. Reverse that
action, and through the force of our own inhibitory power let a new
pain be a reminder to us to _let go,_ instead of to hold on, and by
decreasing the strain we decrease the possibility of more pain.
Whatever reaction may follow pain then, will be reaction from the pain
itself, not from the abnormal tension which has been held for the
purpose of bearing it.

But--it will be objected--is not the very effort of the brain to relax
the tension a nervous strain? Yes, it is,--not so great, however, as
the continued tension all over the body, and it grows less and less as
the habit is acquired of bearing the pain easily. The strain decreases
more rapidly with those who having undertaken to relax, perceive the
immediate effects; for, of course, as the path clears and new light
comes they are encouraged to walk more steadily in the easier way.

I know there are pains that are better borne and even helped