The Meaning of Suffering

The word "suffer" comes from the Latin sufferre "to bear, undergo, endure, carry or put under". It implies a weight that we carry and that presses down on us. When you're suffering from anything, you want to feel better fast. Even though we may not like it. pain is a useful warning signal that the body sends us for our own safety. Without pain, we would be prone to all sorts of injuries and we would soon find ourselves in life threatening situations without being aware of it. To acknowledge the usefulness of pain is to raise it to a higher level. We can be grateful for this protective mechanism. Some people are born without it: they never feel any physical pain, and this is a severe handicap. They have to be extremely cautious and constantly use mental awareness to compensate for it.

Mental anguish is also a warning signal that we can't ignore. When something is not right, we feel uncomfortable; we feel upset. Something is bearing down on us. First we need to acknowledge these emotions. What does this psychological pain mean to us? Where does it come from? Where does the injury come from? Is it our pride or vanity that is hurt, or our need for security, our desire for love and appreciation? Are we worried we might lose something? Are we afraid we might not get what we want? Sometimes, the suffering is ongoing, like in the case of depression. It looms like a big wall in front of us and there seems to be no way over it or around it. But no matter what the pain looks of feels like, no matter how long it has been lingering, there is a a way to alleviate it: by rising above it.

How will you lift yourself out of the suffering? Whether it stems from a relationship, a financial situation or a health challenge, pain contains a message that you will discover as you go within yourself. Pain is our teacher, and good teachers tell us what we need to know. There is a hidden gift in suffering and it can be anything, from acceptance to patience, hope, compassion, forgiveness, fortitude and inner strength. Always keep in mind the possibility of a peaceful resolution to your inner conflict. This openness will allow healing to occur. Go into your inner garden of serenity and find a place for your soul to rest. Little by little, your pain will dissolve and something beautiful will grow in its place...  

Painting: "A Garden" by Isaac Levitan (Wikipaintings)