When Pain Becomes A Portal
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this episode of Beautiful Work Beautiful Life, host Laurel Boivin explores what it means for pain to become a portal—not because pain is good or required for growth, but because when we meet it with presence and support, it can open us to deeper awareness.
Against the backdrop of collective uncertainty and emotional heaviness in the world, Laurel reflects on how personal and collective pain intersect. She names the many ways pain shows up—physically, emotionally, psychologically, relationally, and spiritually—and offers a compassionate reframe: sensitivity is not weakness, it’s intelligence.
Rather than numbing, fixing, or rushing to make meaning, Laurel invites listeners to pause. To listen. To shift their relationship with pain. Because when we meet pain with presence instead of pressure, we may discover it carries important information about what needs tending, what’s out of alignment, and what matters most.
This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to carry pain alone—and that support, boundaries, and self-compassion are powerful acts especially in uncertain times.
Journaling prompts are suggested to further your exploration.
Where is pain showing up in your life right now?
How have you learned to relate to pain?
What happens if you meet pain with presence instead of pressure?
What does your pain seem to be asking of you?
What would it feel like to stop carrying pain alone?
Host/Cohost/Guest Info
Guiding others to become effective leaders of their own lives, Laurel Holland has been on a journey of awakening and transformation throughout her life. Writing about inner work, Laurel has authored four books, including Crossroads and Love’s 8 Laws. Her books, Live Your Inner Power, the Journal, and Courageous Woman, introduce, share, and explore the eight foundational practices for creating transformation from the inside out. Through her books, programs, and innovative talks, Laurel’s great desire is to lift others up and courageously step into the life they came here to live. You can learn more about Laurel, her books, and work she does at www.liveyourinnerpower.com.
Laurel Boivin is a leadership coach, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Founder of Flux+Flow Professional Coaching, Laurel works with high-performing professionals and mission-driven organizations to shift from achievement to alignment — helping them connect deeply to purpose, lead with confidence, and create environments where people thrive. A Reiki master and yoga practitioner, collector of sea glass and antiques, she lives in New Hampshire and summers in Maine. You can learn more about Laurel and the work she does at www.fluxflowcoaching.com.
The email to send questions to Laurel Boivin is laurel@fluxflowcoaching.com and for Laurel Holland - laurel@liveyourinnerpower.com
More
In this episode of Beautiful Work Beautiful Life, host Laurel Boivin explores what it means for pain to become a portal—not because pain is good or required for growth, but because when we meet it with presence and support, it can open us to deeper awareness. Against the backdrop of collective uncertainty and emotional heaviness in the world, Laurel reflects on how personal and collective pain intersect. She names the many ways pain shows up—physically, emotionally, psychologically, relationally, and spiritually—and offers a compassionate reframe: sensitivity is not weakness, it’s intelligence. Rather than numbing, fixing, or rushing to make meaning, Laurel invites listeners to pause. To listen. To shift their relationship with pain. Because when we meet pain with presence instead of pressure, we may discover it carries important information about what needs tending, what’s out of alignment, and what matters most. This episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to carry pain alone—and that support, boundaries, and self-compassion are powerful acts especially in uncertain times. Journaling prompts are suggested to further your exploration. Where is pain showing up in your life right now? How have you learned to relate to pain? What happens if you meet pain with presence instead of pressure? What does your pain seem to be asking of you? What would it feel like to stop carrying pain alone? Host/Cohost/Guest Info Guiding others to become effective leaders of their own lives, Laurel Holland has been on a journey of awakening and transformation throughout her life. Writing about inner work, Laurel has authored four books, including Crossroads and Love’s 8 Laws. Her books, Live Your Inner Power, the Journal, and Courageous Woman, introduce, share, and explore the eight foundational practices for creating transformation from the inside out. Through her books, programs, and innovative talks, Laurel’s great desire is to lift others up and courageously step into the life they came here to live. You can learn more about Laurel, her books, and work she does at www.liveyourinnerpower.com. Laurel Boivin is a leadership coach, speaker, and workshop facilitator. Founder of Flux+Flow Professional Coaching, Laurel works with high-performing professionals and mission-driven organizations to shift from achievement to alignment — helping them connect deeply to purpose, lead with confidence, and create environments where people thrive. A Reiki master and yoga practitioner, collector of sea glass and antiques, she lives in New Hampshire and summers in Maine. You can learn more about Laurel and the work she does at www.fluxflowcoaching.com. The email to send questions to Laurel Boivin is laurel@fluxflowcoaching.com and for Laurel Holland - laurel@liveyourinnerpower.com