ON SUFFERING

IMG_0728A mom wrote to me: They taught me this in India: Whatever suffering you have and for whatever reason, stay with it and accept it for what it is without analyzing or trying to figure out why. Let it dissolve. Acknowledge that you are helpless and let go, knowing that you can control nothing and that God will take over. Love and accept yourself the way you are. 

My response: This mom continued the above by writing, “Easier said than done, but worth practicing as much as possible.” Letting go of suffering takes practice, the passage of time and, for me, faith in my Higher Power.

Today’s Promise to consider: We all suffer. It’s part of life. It seems the more I rail against the pain, the more damage it does. Today, I will step back, pray, take care of myself and allow the suffering to wash over me. Like heavy storms, I can’t stop the rain, but I can take cover and pray, trusting that better days are ahead.

 

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Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

I love this. It’s like a prayer. I will try to believe in it. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

Libby, hope you are feeling better real soon.

Love,
Barbara

Libby Cataldi
10 years ago

How lovely, “It’s like a prayer.” Thank you so much. I’m feeling better and better. Love to you!! Thanks for staying close.

Pat Nichols
10 years ago

So glad to hear you are feeling better Libby.

I still pray and seek continued help to deal with the suffering addiction causes me and my family and friends.

My good friends just lost their daughter last week due to addiction. She was 43. She use to babysit my children as a teenager. Heartbreaking.

All our suffering will end one day and we will know peace.

In prayer for all who suffer from this disease.

TJ
TJ
10 years ago

I am reminded of the Buddhist proverb:
“Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional.”
I try to keep that close to heart because the only control we have in life is the manner in which we choose to react to all of the uncontrollable parts.
Thank you to all who have welcomed me to this safe haven. I feel much more peace than I did a week ago even though I have no idea what tomorrow brings with my daughter. Take care of yourselves.

Nanci
Nanci
10 years ago

Dear Barbara,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers and on my mind, daily. I pray that with the love/support of family, close friends, Libby and all of us, you find some comfort in knowing that we are here for you and love you very much.
I pray, even for a day, one hour, that you may find some peace in your heart. I admire your strength, courage and ability to (continue) to help others. You are a gift to all of us.
Thinking of you,
Nanci

Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

Thank you Libby and Nanci for thinking of me. I do feel love, support and comfort from reading your postings. Your kind words mean so much to me because I know they are sincere. You are all very special and loved very much.

We all are suffering in some way or another. If not through the disease of addiction, it’s suffering of another dimension. But, we have our higher power and the help of each other to bare our heavy souls to help make it feel a little lighter. And because we do this, the suffering feels less painful. I am very grateful for that.

Letting go of suffering does take practice. But, without people like you, I don’t think we can ever let go. And, if we let go, we will fall.

Love,
Barbara

Barbara
Barbara
10 years ago

Dear Pat,

My condolences go out to your friends who lost their daughter of 43 years. My son was just 2 years younger than her when he overdosed and passed on. Please tell them they are in my prayers. I know you will help them. You are wise and know much about the disease. God Bless.

Barbara

Libby Cataldi
10 years ago

Pat, I join Barbara in offering my prayers. I’m so sorry.

TJ, So glad you feel some peace. We’ll stay close, pray and hope.

Love you all.

L

Jane
Jane
10 years ago

Hello all.
As usual, I can read this blog and find what I need to hear. Thank you all for being my virtual support group.
So sorry for your loss Pat. It is a waste of precious life.
It makes me sad to think of all the people who suffer with mental illness which disables them in a big way. Life becomes a burden , painful for them. It makes so grateful for my own sanity.
Gratitude……
The saying that pain is inevitable but suffering is optional is true! Good reminder TJ
Jane