suffering

“The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don’t overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life–the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child the many flowers and trees. To suffer is not enough. Please don’t be imprisoned by your suffering.”

- Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart Of The Buddha’s Teaching

The other day, I shared on social media how I often wonder if my Pursuit is missing “struggle.” There have been events throughout my life that were not ideal–for example, ten years ago, almost to the day my wife had a brain tumor removed. Still, when I hear about the struggles of others, I don’t see the same severity of struggle that so many have endured in my life and wonder if I can truly know my authentic Self without struggle.

I certainly don’t want to attract greater struggle to me or my family, but it seems as if the consensus is that struggle is required to know your authentic Self.

I disagree and am finding my confidence in my disagreement with the consensus growing daily.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that struggle brings about growth and a better understanding of who you are, but I do not believe struggle is the only way to discover your authentic Self.

Last evening, I cracked open Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Heart Of The Buddha’s Teaching and came across the above passage within the first few pages. I no longer am surprised to read a passage like this days after I share my thoughts on struggle with the world–the type of synchronicity in my life is normal.

What jumped out to me in the passage was Hanh’s reminder that while the ocean of suffering is immense, you only need to turn around to see the land. In this reminder, and his other about enjoying the wonders of life, I find comfort in understanding that I have always been able to quickly see the land or enjoy the wonders of life when a moment of suffering creeps into my life; I believe being able to see life’s wonders quickly has helped keep my suffering from growing and overcoming my life.

I have no academic research to support this, but I have almost 42 years of personal experience that makes me believe it can be true.

If struggle is not the only guide to finding your authentic Self, what is?

The one that I have found to be helpful in my Pursuit, is the alignment of spirit, mind, and body.

As I think about the journey to overcome struggle, I wonder if the end result is that the struggle helps to align spirit, mind, and body?

In sitting with this idea this morning, I thought about the podcast interviews I’ve listened to and conversations I’ve had, and the majority of individuals who have found their authentic Self through great struggle describe connecting with the spiritual Self and Higher Power, a change in mindset, and focusing on taking care of their physical Self as a part of their “rebirth” out of struggle.

What if it is possible to skip the great struggle and find the alignment of spirit, mind, and body now to lead you to your authentic Self?

And is it possible that if you find your alignment without struggle, when struggle shows up, because it will, you will be able to look back and see the land or notice life’s wonders more quickly?

Who knows?

At this point, it’s only a theory based on one individual’s experience–so take it with a grain of salt, as you should all recommendations based on one individual’s experiences. But, I think it is one worth considering because if it is the right approach for your Pursuit, it could reduce the pain and suffering you experience in life.

For me, that possibility alone makes it worth believing in it.

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC