Living with persistent pain can be exhausting. It can affect sleep, work, our mood, relationships and confidence, and for many people it becomes something they simply learn to endure. 

Earlier this year, a group of Tasman Peninsula residents decided to try something different. 

Over eight weeks, 11 local participants gathered at the Nubeena CWA Hall—and another 12 online from across south-western Tasmania—for Pain to Peace, a mindfulness-based pain management program led by psychologist Dr Tracy Spencer. Supported by Primary Health Tasmania, the program combined modern pain science with practical mindfulness techniques, giving participants new ways to understand and respond to chronic emotional or physical pain. 

What made the program particularly special was the sense of connection it created. Whether sitting together in the hall or joining from home, participants shared one learning environment, asking questions, exchanging experiences and encouraging one another throughout the journey. 

The program was also supported by a team of health specialists. Participants had access to a psychologist, a specialist GP with expertise in pain management, a person with lived experience, an active WhatsApp support group and pathways into ongoing mindfulness programs across Tasmania—helping ensure the learning didn’t end when the eight weeks finished. 

The group were also able to unpack what mindful practice actually was and how helpful it could be. It had no association with the 60’s hippy revolution or religion. It was not something foreign, it was a skill many of us already have and by focusing on it, could build more into their everyday lives. Participants were able to hone their skill of noticing what they paid attention to, which changed everything.

The results spoke for themselves. 

Twenty-three people enrolled, with sixteen completing the full program—a strong level of commitment for an eight-week course. While most participants were women, two men also took part, reflecting an ongoing effort to make conversations around pain management more accessible to everyone in our community. 

But it was the personal stories that revealed the greatest impact. 

One participant shared that after the very first session, they stopped taking pain medication altogether. 

“I haven’t had any pain killers since the first meeting took place—that’s 6.5 weeks ago now.” 

Others described the relief of finally understanding why they experience pain in the way they did, discovering breathing and other guided techniques they could use every day; learning that safe movement and self-compassion could all play a role in reducing pain. 

For one participant, the biggest revelation came unexpectedly. 

“I was sceptical when mindfulness was first suggested, and I was amazed the first time I noticed a moment of no pain.” 

Another reflected that the course wasn’t simply about managing pain—it was about changing their relationship with it. 

“I can change how I think and act… I have made new friends and I can practise mindfulness every day to improve my life and relationships.” 

Participants also appreciated the flexibility of the hybrid format, which made it possible for people balancing work, travel or health challenges to participate from home while remaining fully involved in the group. 

Perhaps one of the most lasting outcomes has been what happened after the course ended. 

Inspired by the experience, local participants are exploring how to continue their meditation practice together, building a supportive community that extends well beyond the original program. 

The success of Pain to Peace has also highlighted new opportunities for future hybrid health programs across the Tasman region, making specialist education and support more accessible for people regardless of where they live. 

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs aren’t about making pain disappear. 

They’re about discovering that hope, understanding and connection can grow alongside it.