"If you're not in pain, you can't truly understand"
Pain is something difficult to put intowords.
This video features a song written by apatient living with advanced cancer - someone who faces pain every day as part ofher reality. But instead of giving in, she chose to write a song to share her experience of pain and what she has learned through it.
For Thai patients, songwriting doesn't come easily. Most people here experience music passively - as listeners. To step forward and create a song takes courage, trust, and a deep willingness to open one's heart. She welcomed music into her care - not just as a listener, but as a creator.
The song she wrote is more than just music. It is her inner voice reaching out to the world. She wants people to understand what her pain feels like and how she has learned to live with it. This song is both her story and her quiet victory.
After she finished, I asked her what she would like me to do with her song. Without hesitation, she said:
"I want others to know that when we face pain, we can find ways to cope with it. I want to share how I've learned to manage my pain. I hope it helps others live with theirs - or find their way through it."
As a music therapist who had the privilege of caring for her, I believe her story deserves to be shared. Not only does it show what can happen when we make space for music to do its healing work, but it also allows me to honor her wish - and to show my deep respect for the wisdom she has gained through her journey.
I invite you to listen to her song, to learn alongside her, and to honor this meaningful chapter of her life.
I would like to take this opportunity tothank everyone who contributed to making this video possible in 2023:
Khaekhai Tanasansopin
- Music Therapy Student, Graduate School,Khon Kaen University
Nattapat Taarmat
- Music Therapy Student, GraduateSchool, Khon Kaen University
Teeda Rupsuwan
- Occupational Therapist, MusicTherapist
Thanetpon Ubonrat
- Music Therapy Student, College ofMusic, Mahidol University
Puchong Chimpiboon
Music Therapist, Senior Professional Level
Chair of Clinical Practice, WFMT, 2023-2026
