Hi Robertjames,
I think that what you did with this ball is exactly what everybody does when he sees something or someone : he is not interested and just turns his back.
I spend very much time looking at people. Nobody is interested by nobody. People are just walking alone on the earth.
The other day I was meditating in a stadium (sky gazing, stadiums are definitely the best places in town for it), there was a small girl alone, trying to attract attention, but nobody was seing her. Her Mom was just running around with friends and she left her there during 1 hour. A little further was a poor big guy (maybe 50 years) playing with a small red ball, there were football teams all around and nobody noticed him. Of course, nobody could say "hey come and play with us", he was in no condition for that, but someone could tell him "Hi Dude, how are you doing ?". Everybody just ignored him. We ignore everything, everyone. Cars are ignoring each other the same way, that's really a miracle there are so few accidents. Well, somedy gets killed sometime, but who cares ?
If you really care, the world won't hit you in the back to remind you of its existence.
As for the pain, if you manage to be grateful to the world which allows you to exist, you will probably feel better. Love and gratefulness diminish pain.
I wish you the best.
EDIT : meg was writing her message at the same time, telling the same thing. Funny. Hi meg !