Be honest with yourself

In our efforts to maintain a positive mindset, we might end up in denial about real things that cause us suffering. Some form of suffering in life is inevitable, but it can be used as a catalyst for change. Humble the Poet writes: “People can make a lot of money promising to liberate you from suffering, but suffering is the key reason we evolve and improve our situation.” In other words, when we suffer ourselves, or see others in pain or experiencing injustice, we are motivated to act.

In the yoga tradition, we usually differentiate between avoidable and unavoidable suffering. According to sage Patanjali, “Unnecessary suffering must be avoided.” This usually applies to drama that we create in our lives ourselves. Unavoidable suffering is beyond our control, it’s the kind that “The only way to the other side is through.” To deal with this kind of suffering and the negative emotions it brings up, Humble the Poet suggests: “instead of trying to scream over them with pseudo-positive mantras, I should be quiet, listen, and pay attention to what they are saying; then have a conversation.”

So this week, try to be honest with yourself – are there things in your life right now that are making your suffer?

HOW TO: Identify one thing that is causing you pain and discomfort right now or making you feel conflicted. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and face it. Ask yourself: why does it have such an impact on you? Are there actions you can take to ease it? Can you just sit with that discomfort for a while and see what comes up?