Sources of Suffering

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.

We all experience pain. Pain plus resistance equals suffering.

Our nervous system is naturally inclined to have us avoid unpleasant experiences and seek out pleasant experiences. To the extent this mechanism dictates our behavior; we are vulnerable to the suffering that result from craving the pleasant or the aversion to the unpleasant. This is different from “noticing” what is pleasant or unpleasant in the moment. It is the “attachment” to the outcome that keeps up the entrapment.

Living in the moment and living for the moment are fundamentally different experiences. The former alleviates suffering and the latter promotes it. When we can let go of our attachments or aversions, we can become liberated from this trap. Again, this does not mean that we will not optimize pleasant experiences in life or reduce the possibility of unpleasant experiences. To notice one's experience, no matter the nature of that experience, is to be mindful. To be controlled by the experience either by avoidance, grabbing, or greed, promotes suffering.

By "suffering", I don't necessarily mean great suffering, but even small amounts of dissatisfaction or irritation. These irritations can occur throughout the day, even below our conscious awareness, and yet have a profound impact on the quality of our life.

The antidote to suffering -- great and small -- is letting go and detachment—paying attention to what is, to bring self to here and now. The only real step is the one you are taking right now – the rest is illusion and product of the mind – past is an illusion and future is an illusion, both are in the mind and not real.