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According to Thich Nhat Hanh, "People have a difficult time letting go of their suffering, they prefer suffering that is familiar to the unknown." Meaning.... they would rather bear the familiar than the new.
This remark resonates deeply with me, I see this happen to so many people and reflects the reality about human nature. It is a wake-up call, a challenge to the status quo in our emotional landscapes. This is not about wallowing in self-pity or romanticising suffering; it is about acknowledging a basic impediment to our progress and pleasure.
Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, was a teacher and peace activist born in central Vietnam and active in the anti-war movement during the Vietnam War. During the conflict, he was instrumental in advocating nonviolence and reconciliation. He built the Plum Village Monastery in France, where he pioneered "Engaged Buddhism," which combines traditional contemplative practises with active participation in social causes. Thich Nhat Hanh has inspired many people worldwide, making him among the most respected spiritual teacher and leaders of the twentieth and early twenty-first century.
The Comfort Zone of Pain
It seems contradictory. We sometimes find comfort in agony. This can be a reality for many. We cling to our misery like a lifeline, afraid that letting go would plunge us into the unknown. This pain, whether caused by poisonous relationships, unsatisfactory work, or self-destructive habits, becomes a familiar prison. Its walls are high, yet we're familiar with them. As the phrase goes, the devil you know is better than the devil you don't.
But here's the kicker: this thinking binds us to mediocrity and keeps us from reaching our most significant potential.
The Fear of The Unknown
What about the unknown scares us? Is it the unpredictability, the risk of failure, or the prospect of discovering a version of ourselves over which we have no control?
The unknown is the ultimate battleground, where we fight our shadows rather than external opponents. It's a place where bravery is tested and resilience is built. However, we are hesitant to take the initial step, preferring to suffer in a known hell rather than enter a new heaven.
Breaking Free
Breaking out from the bonds of familiar sorrow necessitates an act of defiance against our anxieties. It forces us to confront the core of what it is to be human: the conflict between comfort and progress, stagnation and advancement. This is not a voyage for the faint of heart. It's a route fraught with obstacles, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty. However, it is also the path to freedom, self-discovery, and profound development.
Catalyst of Change
Change starts with a decision, I've been there and that decision ends up being a powerful next step. It's a decision that makes you a prisoner of the past. It's a decision that does not allow fear to rule our lives. It's about seeing vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we create opportunities for true development and connection. We discover that every scar tells a story, every tear teaches a lesson, and every fear is a stepping stone to greater resilience.
The Power of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the compass that directs us through the turbulent waters of the unknown. It teaches us to live in the present moment and to acknowledge our pain without letting it define us. Through mindfulness, we find that the most difficult prison is the one we create in our thoughts. By tearing down these barriers, we open up a world of possibilities, a place where change is conceivable and unavoidable.
Embrace the Journey
The path from suffering to release is not straight. It's a cycle in which we revisit previous lessons from new angles, stripping away layers of anguish to reveal the essence of our existence. This road demands patience, effort, and trust in our ability to change. It's a testimony to the human spirit, a reminder that our capacity to overcome adversity defines us rather than our suffering. The mindset shift we need.
Why We Should Let Go of Suffering - The Call To Action
Let us not mince words here. The conflict between familiar misery and the unfamiliar is inherent to human existence. Dont't ignore this idea, it's real for many at some point in their lives. The decision is between stagnation and progress, despair and optimism, captivity and freedom. This is your call to action, a challenge to bravely and resolutely face the unknown.
Final thoughts
Remember to embrace the unknown rather than dread it. The crucible is where the steel of your spirit is formed. It's where you find out who you are and who you can become. Dare to let go of your usual suffering. Dare to accept the unknown. Dare to live.
Finally, it is more than just conquering fear and achieving happiness. It's about the path of metamorphosis that reshapes our being. It's about demonstrating to ourselves that we're more robust, more competent, and greater than we ever dreamed.
As Thich Nhat Hanh statement represents the notion; the tragedy is not pain but our reluctance to move beyond it. So make the jump. The future is uncertain, yet it holds the promise of unlimited possibilities. Let go of the pain that ties you and welcome the unknown with open arms. The route ahead is unwritten and up to you to determine.