Most children in my era were raised on fairy tales and little girls were particularly fond of the handsome prince who sweeps pretty young girl off her feet. Fairy tales are part of what shapes us, for good or for bad. Which is the appeal of Prince Harry’s recent marriage to Meghan Markle.
This post isn’t about feminist statements or the harmful effects of fairy tales.
Fairy tales as pain relief
It’s about how we can use fantasy to help heal. Or to for pain relief.
Modern-day fairy tales take us out of the humdrum lives most of us live and show us the possibility of dreams come true. Many of us have had the joyful experience of being overtaken by the happiness of falling in love with our own Prince Charming.
I know social media are bashed for how, in our humanity, it fosters unhealthy comparisons with others’ curated social media images. But for those who are healing or having a dark time in their lives, I love the escapism of a beautiful, real-life fairy-tale romance.
Better than a Hallmark movie
Such is the story of the bi-racial actress who met the handsome, vulnerable rogue of a prince and married him in a wedding that rivaled anything the Hallmark Channel has to offer.
If it’s possible to escape into that kind of fantasy without comparison, I think it can be a good thing. Losing ourselves in a beautiful fantasy –the prince, the castle, the gown, the tiara, the pomp and pageantry and the joy–can be a way to escape for a bit. A way to relax, combat insomnia and even help us feel better.
I’m sure no one’s ever recommended watching a royal wedding to help manage discomfort, but I’m doing exactly that. The truth is, if you’ve got pain and suffering, you’ve got nothing to lose.
So even if you think the monarchy is outmoded and stupid, consider how this romantic event –or any event that takes us into fantasy– might be helpful.Even if only for a little while.
If it doesn’t work for you, that’s ok. Pain relief is different for everyone.
Hypnotherapy has shown excellent results at helping people manage pain. If you’d like to know more, see this.
But to me, there’s nothing better than watching someone else’s happiness.
The bride wore Givenchy. But she wore happiness even better. Just watch. And lose yourself for a while in that joy.
Here’s the full wedding on video:
Hey, it is worth a try! Thanks for the ideas.
I can’t agree more with this, Carol! When I was going through my darkest time a few years ago–Husby away for four months. Me alone with four kids and scared out of my tree, I read light romances. And watched totally escapist TV. I would emerge from a book or a program feeling as though I had been away somewhere and had a little rest.
Fantasy is a great way to get out of your own head for a while when you’re going through intense pain. It’s not good to stay there, but stopping by from time to time for a break is helpful.
Fantasy and escapism is so healthy for us, of course in moderation lol. We can’t entirely lose ourselves within it but I totally agree with you that smiling, laughter, joy, all reduce pain in big ways!
I always loved watching fairy tales because it let me escape reality. I hate it when movies have sad endings though. Love the wedding between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
I watched the wedding. It was nice and different but I liked it a lot.
I live with chronic pain so I will give anything a shot! Looks like I’ll be fantasizing today 🙂
If it brings you joy and reduces pain, I think it’s wonderful. I watched every second of the Royal Wedding coverage. It was fun to get swept up in the romance of it all.
I have several conditions that cause me chronic pain and have never tried this to relieve it! It makes sense actually, I will give it a try!
Both the hubs and I love watching fantasy films and sappy movies because they are feel-good movies. It does help in forgetting your problems even only for a while, but at least. 🙂
When I worked as a nurse, I frequently tried to encourage my patients to read or watch films to help them escape pain. Many found that it was very helpful.
I do love a bit of the Hallmark channel!
I love the idea of immersing yourself into fairytale fantasy land – when I read a novel last thing at night, the fantasy is very relaxing. I enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding – it did emit a certain feelgood factor I felt and I lapped up the pomp and ceremony.
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You’re right – there’s nothing better than a good story when you’re not feeling yourself.
I never thought about it before, but I can see where the “feel good” factor of fantasy can help to take you “away” from your pain, if only for a little while. For me the best part of the entire wedding was when the boys who were holding her train got to the top of the stairs of the church and saw how many people were inside. The one whose face just showed the awe of that moment was priceless!
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