Menu
“If the only thing people learned was not to be afraid
of their experience. That alone would change the world.”
– Sydney Banks
Some recent experiences in my life reminded me of a conversation with someone who, despite being in considerable pain, radiated an unusual sense of positivity and mental clarity. I couldn’t help but inquire about their secret.
Their response was nothing short of enlightening:
“I’ve learned that pain is inevitable in life, but suffering is optional.”
That statement hit me like a lightning bolt because at the time I was stuck in pain.
But hearing their words allowed the clouds of confusion to part, revealing a profound truth which took me out of my pity party. This person had come to understand that being human is a unique privilege, but it comes with the challenge of pain. Pain manifests in various dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and soulful.
What’s intriguing, though, is that pain is highly relative. If you were to place five people in the same painful situation, each one would likely navigate it differently. Some might crumble under its weight, while others would find strength they never knew they had. Others again, could find precious gifts in that pain and transform their lives.
The key takeaway here is this: Pain, in its various forms, is an inescapable part of life. It’s a thread woven into the fabric of our existence. However, suffering is a mental construct—a choice (usually unconscious) that we make. It’s our reaction to pain that determines whether we sink into suffering or rise above it.
This conversation served as a powerful reminder that we are the masters of our inner experiences.
It’s a call to mindfulness, to presence, urging us to be aware of our reactions to life’s inevitable and often severe pains. But by recognising that suffering is optional, we can free ourselves from unnecessary burdens and instead focus on navigating the challenges with resilience, grace, and even growth.
I invite you to contemplate this profound perspective. Consider the pains you’ve experienced and how you’ve chosen to respond. Is there an opportunity to lessen your suffering by changing your relationship with pain?
I believe that by doing so, we can unlock a greater sense of clarity, peace and contentment in our lives. Which results in a radically better you emerging.
Wishing you a week filled with mindful awareness and the courage to accept and fully experience pain but to choose a path with less suffering.
Best,
Shane
Special Bonuses Available If You Pre-Order My New Book On Kindle Now: My new book The Inner CEO launches in October but you can pre-order it on kindle – You also get access to special bonuses including the first 4 chapters and access to a private live webinar. All details here.
The Inner Edge Podcast: Short, bite-sized nuggets designed to give you motivation and plenty of inspirational food for thought. Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
This week’s episode: 145: Everything you think is a magnet to your life
