In the journey of life, we often find ourselves faced with two powerful dials—one controlling our experience of pain and the other determining our willingness to endure it.
Imagine twisting the first dial, desperately seeking to ease discomfort, unease, and hurt.
Yet, no matter how far we turn it, the pain persists, relentless in its presence.
Then there’s the second dial—the willingness to experience pain.
We often crank this down to zero, avoiding challenges, sidestepping tough conversations, and steering clear of uncomfortable emotions.
The hope is that by shielding ourselves from pain, it will magically disappear.
But here’s the truth: avoiding pain doesn’t make it vanish; it often amplifies it, like trying to hold back a flood with a flimsy dam.
The common approach is to drown out the pain with distractions—drinking, smoking, overeating, or numbing ourselves with antidepressants.
However, these only add more layers to the problem without addressing its core.
So, what’s the solution?
It’s not about eliminating pain but adjusting the other dial..
…your willingness to suffer. Imagine cranking this dial up to the max.
I know it’s a radical shift in mindset where the focus is on embracing discomfort, not fleeing from it. It acknowledges that pain is an inevitable part of life and that we should embrace it with open arms.
Still sceptical?
Let’s try an exercise.
Think of something you’d rather not dwell on—a failing health of a beloved friend, a recent argument with your partner, or an embarrassing social media mishap.
Notice how you instinctively resist these thoughts, pushing them away.
What if, instead of resisting, you allowed yourself to fully experience these emotions?
Paradoxically, by accepting them, you might find their intensity lessens, like a storm passing through. Not avoiding the storm but learning to sail through it.
So, how willing are you to surrender control over your internal thoughts and feelings?
How willing are you to let fear and sadness be without trying to manipulate or suppress them?
It’s about embracing vulnerability, acknowledging that pain is an integral part of the human experience.
I invite you to consider your willingness to adjust that second dial—the willingness to suffer.
And by accepting pain, one can unlock true resilience and transform suffering.
Embrace discomfort, for within it lies the key to genuine growth and transformation.
