Happiness and Acceptance of Reality - No Suffering

A quote from a 76-year study of what makes life work:

“Herein lies the key to a good life--not rules to follow, nor problems to avoid-- but an engaged humility, an earnest acceptance of life’s pains and promises.”*

The key statement, I believe, from my studies is about "earnest acceptance." Indeed, the Buddha speaks of the source of suffering as being wishing reality were different than it is and grasping onto unrealistic expectations in life.

Into each life some undesired outcomes will happen. And if we believe they "shouldn't" happen, then we are doing what is called adding unnecessary suffering to the pain.

And, now, I am going to make a bold statement. First, let's define "pain" to be that which comes from a physical discomfort, but in this case I am excluding the dysfunctions due to stress that we inappropriately put on the body's mechanisms. If I created a formula for pain and suffering it would look like this:

Naturally occurring pain + stress caused pain + mental suffering added = Total pain/suffering

The bold statement is that the naturally occurring pain in life is only 1% or less of the total - and that we create all the rest.

If we didn't wish reality was different and if we just accepted reality as it is and appreciated it, then are life would be incredibly free of pain and suffering!

Ironically, we either are ignorant of the cause of the greatest problem blessed human beings have or we think we get something by "suffering" - or both.

Click on the title above to link to the section that will give you a thorough grounding on how NOT to suffer (and live with only the necessary amount of anxiety to keep our attention, but without suffering!).

Here's to your making the conversion and giving up all (at least 80%?) of your suffering!

Keith
www.thelifemanagementalliance.com (Go to the Happiness section and the Gratitude section for what to replace suffering with....)

*From the very extensive article What Makes Us Happy? in the Atlantic Monthly, at http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200906/happiness