How to Suffer

At the center
of your suffering
is a seed of compassion
that is beautiful
and flawed
and human

The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh said
“if you know how to suffer,
you suffer less”

The word ‘suffering’ here
is pointing to that
deep-down
always-around
stress & distress
that we are perpetually
trying to solve or avoid
to no avail

But
when you know how to suffer
your suffering is transformed into
courage,
and compassion,
and humility

Suffering then becomes synonymous
with being,
with humanness,
with love

It becomes
living breath
for the world

Draw close with your suffering
unlocking your heart to the wholeness of life

Slowly
you will discover
that all other people and creatures
already abide within this seed
at the center
of your heart

Do whatever you can
to befriend your suffering
and awaken swiftly
your sleeping connection
with all beings

Suffer lovingly
such that your suffering becomes a vehicle
for the beauty & medicine
that you are

I know this proposition of opening to your suffering
may sound daunting

The fear of suffering itself
is a part of the suffering
and serves as our first step
into the hidden gift
within our humanity

Take your time with this fear
whenever it arises
Gently open to it
without force or demand

Let your fear of hurting
become your first reason
towards becoming true to yourself

You do not have to feel confident
in the face of such a fundamental, existential pain

You do not have to know what to do with it
or even how to find peace within it

Simply
open
your
heart

Be steadily and inevitably drawn
into the secret at its center
that overcomes all isolation, overwhelm, cynicism, & despair

Discover that your suffering
is the ancient meeting place
of all beings
in the sanctum
of love