Pain Has a Purpose | Peter McLaughlin
With Peter McLaughlin
October 1, 2026video
About
Peter McLaughlin gently reminds us that pain, in all its forms—emotional, psychological, and physical—serves a vital purpose. It acts as a signal, drawing our attention to underlying issues or unmet needs that require our presence and care. Rather than just a symptom, pain is a profound signpost guiding us toward deeper understanding and healing.
Transcript
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Peter McLaughlin (00:00)
And the short answer now is there is a purpose to pain. So depression is a form of pain. You know, being diagnosed with a potentially life
Ending illness is a form of pain. It's not just physical pain. Feeling like you're not, you're worthless is a form of pain. Boredom is a form of pain. And the pain, the purpose of it is to call your attention to something that's living beneath the surface, out of sight, that needs attention. You know, just like physical pain is the same thing. It's calling your attention. You know, open up the hood, look in the bowels of the engine. There's something in there.
that has malfunctioned. There's something in there that needs your attention. It's not the symptom. Pain is a symptom. The symptom is just there as a signpost.