We all suffer. We suffer physically and psychologically. None of us escape it. Here is a little secret about the true nature of suffering: It is neither just yours nor mine; it is universal. It is our suffering. We all share in it… some more than others. When one of us suffers… we all suffer.
So many of us habitually run from suffering. We use all kinds of legal and illegal drugs to escape from suffering. There are plenty of drug-addicted and alcohol addicted people in the world, many of whom insist that they don’t have a problem and can stop whenever they wish to. Instead of habitually fleeing from suffering, few of us have embraced it without separation, without deep-seated bias and friction. Of course, if suffering is overwhelmingly intense (physically), then one would naturally not care to embrace it or have much of a relationship with it. A wise mind, however, may act — and not merely react — to milder forms of suffering in ways unlike what most people do.
Unlike most minds, the wise mind rarely suffers psychologically. A mind that is wise — due to understanding itself and its contents — is of a vast, immense order. Such order is a flame that incinerates the chaotic disorder that psychological suffering feeds upon; hence, psychological suffering, for such a mind, dissipates. Order doesn’t easily manifest as disorder. A mind that is truly orderly rarely suffers.
Thinking, in human beings, stems from (and involves) problem-solving. Thinking is a tool. Many of us continue to think (and entertain thought) even when thinking is no longer necessary. This strict adherence to thought/thinking is a distorted habit that nourishes all kinds of psychological disorder. Thinking is largely symbolic and representative; merely existing as one symbol after another (in sequence) is much like substituting symbols and signs for the real thing. Such substitution rarely leads to lasting joy and pristine revelry; accepting shadows as reality rarely leads to sunlit bliss. Too many of us were educated wrongly; thinking is only a tool; it need not be the essence of consciousness. If you have made tools as the essence of your consciousness, you are bound to suffer.
A wise mind can exist beyond the tools, beyond the shadows, beyond mere symbols and abstractions. Such a mind is beyond suffering (though it has immense empathy); it never needs to take recreational drugs, alcohol, or take antidepressants. Wisdom begins when psychological suffering ends.
Diminutive wildflowers (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Diminutive wildflowers (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
thanks a lot for sharing your philosophical thoughts, Thomas. I knew from early age that neither drugs or alcohol are good when you have a problem and suffer. I’m happy about it. But sometimes suffering can be very hard if you have to stand it without anybody to hold you.
Have a nice day, regards Mitza
Good for you, Mitza! 🙂 Too many try to escape from suffering by artificial means… and that, of course, never really works. In fact, it usually makes things worse. (Taking medication for a real chemical imbalance in the brain, of course, is a whole other matter.)
Yes, suffering can be very difficult if one feels isolated and neglected.
Lovely flower; I really like the pink in your second photo.
Thank you, Scifi! That makes things a little better… as my wife, today, told me that she didn’t care much for the second photo! Well, you can’t please everyone! 🙂
haha This is true! We all have our own preferences; fortunately 🙂
A very impressive read! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us 🙂
Much appreciated, Beth! So glad you were impressed by it! Hoping your week is “Flowerful”! 🙂
Yes, I was Tom! As always….
💜 beautiful…
Thank you, barnraised; i hope you mean the written stuff too!
Of course I did! The whole thing was just beautiful.
Well said.
Thank you, Richard! Glad you are appreciative of it! 🙂
There’s the quality of equanimity and ancient wisdom in this piece. Thanks Tom.
Much appreciated, tiramit! 🙂
Beautiful Crisantemo! 🙂
Many thanks, Marcela! 🙂
Well said, Tom. Some of the psych problems some people have may not be easy to control… I learned a little bit from the Brain program on PBS sometime ago.
Very wise words. 👍 👍👍