Why We Suffer this much..

The root of suffering is attachment. ~ Buddha

Everyone suffers. It’s part of the human condition.

Yet suffering can be the doorway to your personal evolution, to growth and expansion, if you choose to shift your thoughts and perceptions.

The bad news is:

We are the creators of our suffering.

The good news is:

We are the creators of our suffering.

We can stop our own suffering by understanding the root of what causes us to suffer and then taking action, whether it’s shifting our inner dialogue or doing things differently.

I’ve noticed some common reasons why we suffer. When you know what the cause is, you’ll discover that you can change suffering into awareness and find peace and happiness.

Suffering is caused by…

Attachment to outcomes

We often become attached to specific outcomes or goals, and when things don't go as planned, we experience disappointment, frustration, and sometimes even despair. To reduce this kind of suffering, it's important to focus on the process and the journey rather than just the outcome. Appreciate the progress you're making towards your goals and try to find joy in the present moment.

Comparison

Comparing ourselves to others can cause us to feel inadequate and unworthy. We may feel like we're not measuring up to society's standards or our own expectations. To reduce this type of suffering, focus on your own journey and accomplishments. Remember that everyone has their own unique path, and it's not fair to compare yourself to others.

Negative self-talk

The way we talk to ourselves can have a big impact on our emotional well-being. If we constantly criticize ourselves or tell ourselves that we're not good enough, we'll likely experience suffering. To reduce this type of suffering, try to practice self-compassion and positive self-talk. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would offer a good friend.

Fear of the unknown

The unknown can be scary and overwhelming, and it's natural to feel anxious or worried about the future. However, worrying about the unknown can cause unnecessary suffering. To reduce this type of suffering, focus on the present moment and take things one step at a time. Trust that you have the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges come your way.

Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges and resentment can cause us to feel angry, bitter, and unhappy. To reduce this type of suffering, try to practice forgiveness and let go of past grievances. Remember that forgiveness doesn't mean you have to condone someone's behavior or forget what happened. It simply means that you're choosing to release the negative emotions and move forward.

Resistance to change

Change can be uncomfortable and scary, but it's a natural part of life. Resisting change can cause us to feel stuck and unhappy. To reduce this type of suffering, try to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Remember that change can be a positive thing, even if it feels difficult in the moment.

Lack of purpose

Feeling like you don't have a sense of purpose or direction in life can cause feelings of emptiness and sadness. To reduce this type of suffering, try to identify your values and goals, and create a plan to work towards them. Remember that it's never too late to find purpose and meaning in your life.

Perfectionism

Perfectionism can cause us to set unrealistic expectations for ourselves and experience constant feelings of inadequacy. To reduce this type of suffering, try to focus on progress rather than perfection. Celebrate your accomplishments, even if they're not perfect, and remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.

Lack of self-care

Neglecting our physical and emotional needs can cause us to feel depleted and unhappy. To reduce this type of suffering, prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This can include exercise, healthy eating, meditation, spending time in nature, or simply taking a break when you need it.

Feeling trapped

Feeling trapped in a job, relationship, or situation can cause us to experience suffering and hopelessness. To reduce this type of suffering, try to identify what's causing you to feel trapped and create a plan to change your situation. This may involve seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist, or taking steps to make changes in your life that will help you feel more free and empowered.

Lack of connection

Feeling disconnected from others can cause us to feel lonely and isolated. To reduce this type of suffering, try to connect with others and build supportive relationships. This can involve reaching out to friends or family members, joining a group or club that aligns with your interests, or volunteering in your community.

Guilt and shame

Guilt and shame can cause us to feel unworthy and cause emotional pain. To reduce this type of suffering, practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of being human, and it's important to learn from our experiences and move forward.

Resistance to emotions

Resisting or suppressing our emotions can cause us to feel disconnected and unhappy. To reduce this type of suffering, try to acknowledge and accept your emotions, even if they're uncomfortable. Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way, such as through journaling, talking to a friend or therapist, or engaging in creative expression.

Lack of gratitude

Focusing on what we don't have rather than what we do have can cause us to feel unfulfilled and unhappy. To reduce this type of suffering, practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, and try to cultivate a sense of appreciation and joy in the present moment.

Carl Jung's assertion that "wholeness for humans depends on the ability to own their own shadow" highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting the darker aspects of our nature. By acknowledging and understanding our own shadow, we can overcome the underlying insecurity about our worth and become more complete individuals.

Our suffering often stems from a lack of appreciation for our divine nature and our interconnectedness with all things, as well as our resistance to impermanence and our addiction to temporary relief. However, if we embrace all parts of ourselves, both light and dark, we can elevate our consciousness and move beyond the limitations of our human condition.

It's true that suffering will always be present in our lives, but we have the power to transform it by offering it to something greater than ourselves. By finding meaning in our pain and grief, we can not only transform ourselves but also make a positive impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, owning our shadow and embracing all parts of ourselves is crucial for achieving wholeness and transcending the limitations of our human condition. By finding meaning in our suffering and offering it to a worthy cause, we can elevate our consciousness and transform both ourselves and the world.