Looking for the Cause of our Suffering

 

    The causes of our suffering are very important tools to understanding how we think, how we react to life
and those around us, and how we generally cope with life.   People want quick fixes so they can "get on with it" and continue living in the way they have chosen.   But is it wise to look for a cure or a remedy when you
haven't investigated the cause?   Many of life's ills are caused by the mind  -  how we think about ourselves
and others, letting our thoughts run rampant, living in the past, etc.   For anything to manifest in the physical,
it begins with the mind   -   habitual ways of thinking and wrong perception.

    The Buddha taught that if you can find the causes of your suffering, you have found the cure.  If thinking
too much about past sad events are causing your anxiety and depression, then the answer is to correct
thinking patterns and learn to still the mind and live in the Now.   Living in the past is bringing back old
energy.   Whatever happened has happened, and we cannot change the decisions that were made back
then.   Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but, decision-making is done in the Now, in the moment, and hindsight
is done in a time far removed from the event.   That is when one can choose  Acceptance  -  if nothing can
be done about a past decision, or an event that occurred beyond your control, then meditating on acceptance
and peace is the cure.      Right perception leads to right view.

     In order to be in control of our lives it is necessary to be mindful of our thoughts as well as our actions.
Mindfulness is a valuable tool in many ways  -  it keeps our awareness in the present moment therefore
allowing us to make more conscious decisions and perhaps save us from heartache and regrets later.
Mindfulness also keeps our energy in the present moment as thoughts are also energy  -  wherever our mind
goes, our energy goes.   Doing a few short meditations during the day where our mind is stilled and
consciousness is in the Now, will refresh and give a quick recharge during working hours.

     For lasting release from one's suffering, it is far better to find the cause than to look for a quick-fix.
There are more advantages in looking within for the cause of one's suffering, than spending money on the
many treatments available to mask one's pain.   Personal growth is the aim, and that is priceless !

Namaste  ~  Written by Tara ~