What is the human condition?
Although this can include a variety thoughts and concepts
(such as birth, aging, sickness, and death), one thing is for sure…
pain and suffering are part of it.
Although we may try to avoid it, hide from it, and/or ignore it, suffering is an inevitable component to being human. Sadness, sorrow, shame, guilt, anger, frustration, fear – pain can come in endless ways both collectively as a society and individually in our lives.
And the only way to get to the other side? To move through it (as uncomfortable as it may be).
Between a global pandemic, divisive politics, and our own individual battles, any one of us at any given time may be suffering. No matter if you are on the left, right, or in-between, whether you are in a certain tax bracket or another, or if you believe in a religion or not – we all suffer.
So if we can’t escape it, how can move through it?
If you have questions such as:
How can I live with unpredictability?
How can I live with all that is going on and still find happiness?
What type of environment and attitude can I create that is loving and kind?
then the following may be able to help you process these thoughts and feelings.
- Acknowledge Your Suffering.
Maybe you’re snapping at others easily, maybe you can’t seem to get out of your rut, maybe a health issue has cropped up that you are tired of dealing with…whatever it may be, simply acknowledging that it exists can be the first step in moving forward.
You don’t have to know exactly what is bothering you (sometimes it’s hard to define – especially at first), but the important thing is to be honest. Take a step back, give the situation space, and then come back to it when you are ready.
When you feel that it’s time to address it, write out your feelings, share with a friend, or just sit and reflect – give yourself permission to feel what you feel with no guilt.
Keep in mind that awareness of suffering can be difficult – it makes us admit that it’s real.
- Know That You Are Not Alone.
Suffering can be lonely. Period.
Thinking that you are on an island where no one else has felt or is feeling the same as you can make the root issue even worse.
However, we are all humans and we all suffer. We may not have similar perspectives or share the same exact feelings but you are not alone in your pain.
- Choose Where You Will Focus Your Energy.
In any given moment, what can you control? In what do you want to spend your energy?
It’s a question that brings our focus inward rather than ruminating about what is going on outside of ourselves.
When things seem chaotic, decide what you can do to live in the moment so you can choose happiness, kindness, love, and compassion – no matter what someone else is saying or doing.
Ideas may include:
- deep breathing (how you respond)
- conscious, healthy eating (what you put in your body)
- a walk outside (how you move your body)
- a warm bath (how you treat your body)
- quality family time (how you interact with those you love)
- disengaging with television, news, and social media (what you watch)
Make conscious choices each day that are positive and loving to yourself and others.
- Come to Terms with Fear, Pain, and Death.
People are just people. Whether someone believes the same as you or not, when it comes down to it, they may just have the same underlying fears.
For many, these fears are of pain and death. We all know that death is inescapable, however, it can be difficult to grapple with this and accept it.
When we make space to contemplate the certainty of death, we can learn how we relate to it and what we can do to live peacefully because of it.
Are you going to spend your time and energy in positive or negative ways? Even when we disagree with others, we can still choose to live kind and respectful lives – despite what is going on around us.
If you feel stuck in doing this, need to release negativity and open energy pathways, and/or are in need of help for an issue that has aroused due to chronic stress from pain and suffering, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss how you are feeling.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic care, testing, massage, and holistic counseling to those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. For those outside of these areas, virtual appointments are available.
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