Overcoming Human Suffering: Understanding the Root Causes and Changing Our Perception

Understanding Human Suffering: Misconceptions and Reality

We are often misled by the idea that our problems are the main cause of our suffering and bad moods. We tend to perceive many situations in our lives as serious problems demanding our full attention, consuming a significant amount of energy that could be spent more positively.

The Nature of Problems and Anxiety

Problems induce a chronic state of anxiety, compelling us to eliminate them swiftly, or they may paralyze us, leaving us unsure of how to address what we perceive as the most troubling situation we have ever encountered. This feeling is not uncommon, as “so-called” problems arise daily, sometimes multiple times a day. The burden becomes overwhelming, and the fear of being consumed by our problems, ruminating on the potential consequences of not solving them (though such consequences rarely occur), impairs our ability to think clearly and act appropriately, escalating the problems and our suffering before we even notice.

Defining Suffering

What do I mean by suffering? Most of us associate it with experiencing great pain, like a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or losing our jobs. Generally, we view suffering as the loss (or the fear of losing) what we value in our lives.

Everyday Suffering

Of course, those situations are prime examples of profound suffering, but there is another kind that may not be as devastating yet affects us daily. We often overlook this daily suffering because we assume life is inherently stressful and anxiety-inducing. We “feel okay” with it or at least don’t care much, acting moody, cranky, or angry, confusing our toxic behaviors with our character. Consider the statement, “I have always been like this, and this irrelevant situation bothers me every day. I won’t change how I feel about it, and I keep making myself and others miserable whenever it happens.” While a mosquito buzzing near our ears as we try to sleep is a mild annoyance compared to losing our jobs, it still causes suffering until the mosquito is dealt with.

Physiological Perspective on Suffering

From a physiological perspective, suffering encompasses any situation causing discomfort, oppression, and distress. It can manifest in many forms, from dust in our eyes to weather changes, traffic jams, or demanding jobs. This perspective leads us to perceive many things as problems or potential problems, leaving little time to feel and live freely.

The Three Main Causes of Human Suffering

Now, let’s explore the three main reasons for human suffering and why we see so many things as problems and threats to our well-being:

1. Personal Desires and Expectations

2. Attachments

3. Our Own Perceptions

These three concepts become dangerous when we live without self-awareness or on autopilot. Our mind produces expectations of a high level of comfort, leading us to see problems where there are none, trapping us in the well-known comfort zone.

Redefining Problems and Experiences

In absolute reality, problems do not exist. If you disagree and still believe problems exist, let me show you they are not negative processes in your life. They are merely experiences happening here and now, and they shouldn’t cause suffering.

The misconception between “experiences” and “problems” arises from our feelings when situations occur. If we feel dissatisfied with something that happened or might happen, we call it a problem. Conversely, if something makes us feel neutral, blissful, or excited, we call it an experience.

Human Experiences and Emotions

When experiencing life, we constantly evaluate everything as good or bad. Our nervous system sends information to our body, triggering emotions that lead to actions. Each of us has different views, expectations, beliefs, education, and cultures, which bias our perception of reality. What may be a problem or bad experience for some could be neutral or even joyful for others, like walking in the rain.

Changing Our Perception

A famous quote by Louise Hay, an American motivational author and speaker, says, “I don’t fix problems, I fix my thinking. Then the problems fix themselves.” Problems don’t have the ability to fix themselves since they lack a mind or consciousness. Louise’s metaphor suggests that by changing our thinking, we can make problems disappear. The word “problem” is a concept born from our negative thinking and interpreting experiences based on life lessons and genetic memory.

Embracing Experiences

Every experience, whether perceived as positive, negative, or neutral, has something deeper to teach us. Instead of judging, we should see experiences for what they are and recognize that what we see as problems are often just life’s natural unfolding, beyond our control.

Ending Suffering

To end our suffering, we must avoid clinging to positive emotions and remember that everything is impermanent. Clinging to good moments can lead to distress when they pass. When negative situations arise, don’t label them as problems. Recognize that “problems” are human concepts based on past experiences. Analyze reality with clarity, without judgment, and act according to your values. Learn, grow, and watch the suffering dissipate as quickly as it came.

As Siddharta Gautama, “The Buddha,” said, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”

I hope this revised version meets your expectations. Let me know if there’s anything else you need!

"What you seek, is also seeking you"