SUFFERING PARADOX

Written By Duane Nelson


2 IDEAS FROM ME

  • The more we try to avoid suffering, the more we suffer. The more we embrace suffering as a growth opportunity and use our signature strengths in alignment with our highest values, the more peace, insight, and freedom we experience.

  • PEACE is a powerful practice for learning how to suffer well.

    • P - PAUSE and name the experience to create space between you and the emotion. You are noticing it, not drowning in it.

    • E - EMBRACE the opportunity. Resistance amplifies suffering. Acceptance lowers the intensity.

    • A - Focus your AWARENESS on the sensation in your body with curiosity. Meeting pain directly often makes it shrink instead of grow.

    • C - CLARIFY what’s in your control with the wisdom of uncertainty, imperfection, and impermanence.

    • E - ENGAGE signature strengths in alignment with your highest values.

2 QUOTES FROM SAGES

  • “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.”—Epictetus

  • “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Khalil Gibran

1 QUESTION FOR YOU TO EXPLORE

  • What is your surfing to suffering ratio? This is percentage of times you chose to surf the suffering as a growth opportunity using your signature strengths in alignment with your highest values instead of drown in it.

Namaste,

Duane Nelson

Duane Nelson

Ultrajourney Insight is an Anacortes Washington-based website founded by Duane Nelson, an author, speaker, and teacher focused on helping people live their best life.

https://ultrajourneyinsight.org
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