I had a question posted to me this morning:

“Given that we can do anything in this world, why then is there still so much suffering?”

The Buddha once spoke to the presence of suffering – noting that it was the true starting point of our spiritual practice. That is to say, if we’re not aware of our pain, how will we ever know what to heal?

Though a difficult reminder of the frailty of human form, it is powerful in its purpose – forcing through to that which fear may sometimes conceal. It is our truest, most authentic heart waiting to be revealed.

In Buddhist practice it is considered the first of the four noble truths – an awareness of our impermanence and the inevitability of change.

Subsequently, we are encouraged to seek the ‘root’ of our suffering – to understand it’s true nature and cause. This is the second of the four noble truths.

But this is not our stopping point, my loves. Rather, this fear, this upset, this volatility of emotion – all serve as a catalyst to the expansion of our inner awareness. It is through this exploration of spirit, that we may finally discover the means to heal.

This is the third of the four noble truths – representing the possibility of unburdening, and reminding us of our capacity to touch true joy within every moment.

And, finally – through the fourth, we are gifted the instruction to remove it, and with that our ultimate freedom.

Though, ironically – we can not find our way to truth, without first recognizing our pain

“These are liberating truths.” writes Thich Nhat Hanh “But we cannot seek for the other three if we do not accept the presence of the first.”

Why do we experience pain, my loves?

Perhaps, to awaken and to broaden compassion’s reach.

And, when you consider in those terms, my dearest darlings ~ suddenly, life’s upsets aren’t nearly as threatening.

Just a little something to consider, my friends.

In peace, namaste ~ ❤️

ps ~ How do you like this little bundle of love? I believe his heart can remove any and all troubles.