Opening Our Hearts to Suffering

in: Dharma Topics
Discussion Date: Thu, Mar 14, 2024

Dear Still Water Friends,

Over the past year I have become more acutely aware of the immense suffering in our world – the suffering of all creation, all creatures, all people. I am experiencing the reality of our shared suffering in a new, deep, and palpable way. I’m noticing that my awareness of suffering in the world is helping me relate differently to my own pain and to the suffering of those near me. I was raised in a time, a culture, and a family that avoided acknowledging and being with strong emotions. I learned to push them away and cover them up. I can see that many of my ancestors held strong emotions at a distance, as if there were a ten-foot pole between the heart and the pain.

Thanks to the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh (Thầy), to my practice, and to the Sangha, I have been able to relax my fear... Continued

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