Principal's Page

"No pain, no gain!" Really?

No pain, no gain?

Have you ever stopped to think carefully about this expression and the quality of the advice it offers? Sometimes, if might be about encouraging someone who is facing a significant challenge, and there is wisdom in knowing it is not an impossible task and by completing it, they will achieve a job well done or a lesson well learned.

Other times, this expression may be a cover for someone being told to put up with a situation they shouldn’t. For example, harassment in the school yard, which is quickly becoming bullying. As a school approaching National Day against Bullying and Violence we are currently considering the type of pain that we can inflict on each other when we make poor choices. For your information, here is the definition provided by the Australian Government:

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

[https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/WhatIsBullying/DefinitionOfBullying]

Teachers and students are discussing these and related matters in classes to ensure they understand and can act to prevent or respond to problem behaviours when they occur.

In my own life this week, I have suffered back pain and rather than put up with it, I have been investigating the cause, considering my routines and physical activity, as well as consulting a health professional. Imagine if instead I had interpreted “no pain, no gain” as advice to just put up with it?

But as with most things in life, there are not just two options like: ignore or act; follow good advice or not; etc. Instead, the steps of: pausing to reflect, considering our actions, speaking to someone who can help, identifying changes necessary and making them, are all part of process to determine a better way forward.

That first step of pausing is possibly the most important. I reckon it should always have prayer at the centre of that pause too.  Understanding that life is not merely a physical activity and being aware of the spiritual realm are crucial. I have been learning and relearning this lesson through many experiences in the past two years. Feel free to ask me about it next time we meet and tell me about your own if you are willing.

As we travel through Lent and approach the Easter celebration we consider the ultimate pain that Jesus experienced, how he paused to pray countless times in the lead up to his sacrifice, and the world-changing events that were his death, resurrection, ascension and giving of the Holy Spirit.  Interestingly, we don’t remember Jesus for advice he gave. Instead he acted out of love and it changed us and the world forever.

Sam Cheesman

Principal