People suffer every day in small and large ways, and suffering can take on many forms. Though there is one important distinction to make.
There is physical suffering which is usually referred to as physical pain, as in an injury or chronic pain in the muscles, joints, or bones. And then there is mental suffering like anxiety, stress, anger, jealousy, insecurity, and frustration. The majority of people suffer from the latter.
No matter the form of mental suffering, as long as you are in an unconscious state of mind your suffering is out of your control . Unconscious means your MIND and thus your LIFE is on AUTOPILOT and your reacting compulsively to situations through states of fear and desire. You’re spiritually unaware.
When you suffer unconsciously you are caught up in the thinking mind. You’re creating unpleasant thoughts about someone or something. You don’t like the person or their actions, or you don’t like the situation you feel you are trapped in. Once you become conscious of this you can change your suffering.
That means you realize your awareness at this moment, and that all your suffering derives from the thinking mind. Yes, you are stuck with this person or situation, but the thoughts that you create about it, good or bad, ugly or beautiful, hopeful or hopeless, ARE YOURS, and yours to change at anytime. And that determines your reality right there.
When you are conscious you can alter your thoughts and emotions. You can now choose to NOT let your memory or imagination interfere.
Also, when you worry about a situation that has yet to occur your mind is running in imagination mode. When you then have unpleasant feelings from those thoughts you are LIVING your imagination. That is senseless, and a pity, because you are not living TRUE LIFE as it is right here before you.
The same thing happens when anger, jealousy or frustration appears. These are YOUR thoughts and feelings happening INSIDE of YOU, not outside of you. So only YOU can change them.
If you are able to remain conscious here and now, instead of having any thoughts about it whatsoever, or assigning any dramatic value to it, which is just your personal theater playing through your memory and imagination, you can just let go of all that mental suffering.
Instead choose control of the self, choose calmness, bliss, life, and joy. The more you practice to be in a conscious state, the more control you will gain over your thoughts and feelings. Start practicing this the VERY MOMENT YOU WAKE UP.
Practice consciousness throughout the day, everyday, and it will become a habit that will transform your life into the most blissful experience possible.🌱
Please share your comments below. I really appreciate it. I read them all.
This helped me so much. Thank you
Daisy
Hi Daisy,
Be aware that suffering is up there with your thoughts. We’re not immune to it, but it can help tremendously. Stay conscious.🌱
Klaus, I love the section where you describe how your mind and thus your life is on autopilot. That’s where it really clicks. Keep the posts coming.
Best,
Darrell
Hi Darell,
Thanks. There are many ways to describe unconsciousness or unawareness. All of them are valuable in conveying clarity of the mind.
Best,
Klaus
I seem to have lived a ‘normal’ life with the usual ups and downs, but I recognise how we can get into a frame of mind focused on the ‘dark’ side. To add to your perceptive article we should mention the harm caused by others who unwittingly strengthen our unconscious beliefs and prejudices. Though it may feel like sympathy helps a sufferer, there is also a time to challenge and offer alternative viewpoints. I have no training or qualifications other than forty years of teaching and sixty six years of living with good family and friends.