Western society depicts the famous “happily ever after ideal” which is mainly a promise of a life without pain and suffering. Those introduced to this mentality continue to seek validation for a pian free life. In fact, it is this way of thinking that allows primarily market-based countries to prosper. The notion behind this premise is, if you work hard then you will get to live your dream life. The phrase “The American Dream” is a good indication of the appeal behind this worldview. Eastern philosophies make more room for the inevitable discomforts experienced in life. In fact, the literature from this part of the world contains a great deal of reference to suffering beyond our control. There is even a concept referred to as “kismet” in eastern cultures, which may be defined as faith or destiny in literal translation; however, the connotation of this phrase at large emphasizes the predetermined nature of human existence.
If we come to terms with the notion that our power may be limited at times, we have more tolerance for the discomfort of what we cannot change. Of course, this limitation is not a constant and to some degree changes with evolution of our skills. There was a point in history that any earthquake could destroy an entire village and kill thousands of people. Now, we can build structures that can withstand powerful earthquakes. This knowledge is largely a by-product of the pain experienced, which guides us to solution seeking behaviors.
The nature of pain is not necessarily destructive. The purpose of pain is to signal a means for change. Pain comes to allude that something is not right. As such, if we change perspective the discomfort can eventually lead us to more comfort. Despite the potential, if we don’t find meaning in this pain, it becomes simply suffering.
Ironically, we seek to escape this suffering. We have come to create so many means to break free from discomfort. We drink and use mood altering substances to numb our pain, we find other forms of addictions that momentarily distract us from feeling uncomfortable Instead of allowing ourselves to tolerate the pain, we teach ourselves to escape it; not withstanding that the wisest way to fight a worthy opponent is to understand it.
Let’s make room for the inevitable in our lives. Let’s embrace its presence. Maybe, just maybe, its there for a reason.
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