Our True Source of Suffering

Do you think most of your suffering comes from what’s actually happening, or how you’re thinking about it?

So much of our suffering isn’t about what’s happening in the present—it’s about the story we tell ourselves about it. We replay events, predict worst-case scenarios, and let our minds spiral into anxiety. But what if suffering isn’t caused by circumstances, but by the way we interpret them?

Your Mind’s Narrative Creates Suffering

Think about a time when you were deeply upset. Was it the situation itself, or was it your thoughts about it? Maybe you felt rejected, but was the rejection itself painful, or was it the thoughts like “I’m not good enough” that created suffering?

How to Reframe Your Thoughts

Next time you feel overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself:

• Am I reacting to the situation, or my thoughts about it?

• What’s another way to look at this?

• If I removed my inner commentary, how would this situation actually feel?

Reality is Kinder Than We Think

It’s not easy to recognize that most of our suffering comes from the meaning we attach to events rather than the events themselves. But when we do, we realize that reality—just as it is—is much kinder than the fearful stories we tell ourselves. You have control over your thoughts. The more you practice awareness, the less power negative narratives have over you. Freedom isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about changing how you think about them.

Try This:

Next time something upsets you, take a breath and ask: What if I didn’t add a story to this? See how that shift changes your experience.