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The Art and Science of Emotional Healing — Why You Suffer Mentally and Emotionally, and Tips to Free Yourself. An Introduction
Q. Lewis, why do so many of us who have material security still suffer? I am always worrying, my mind wanders, and I can’t seem to find meaning in my life.
A. Usually our suffering is self-created. Suffering is disruptive and at times necessary mental, emotional, psychological, and also a spiritual experience of unpleasantness and aversion associated with harm or threat of harm. On the positive side, suffering can contribute to how you organize meaning in your emotional world and much more. One should never assume that all suffering is negative. The key is to understand which suffering is essential and which is a self-created illusion.
Some suffering is an expression of natural law — an essential tool for survival. For the unaware individual, it is often a negative experience, especially if this individual has made poor choices in the past.
Compassion, one of the most worthy, and admired of human qualities; often comes from recognizing the suffering of others. Their suffering may present great meaning and direction to your own life, motivating, and also inspiring you to serve others in need. This service, in turn, creates a larger sense of community.
