Teaching #2: Suffering Is Impermanent
The Buddha did not teach that life is constant misery, nor that you should
expect to feel pain and unhappiness at all times. Rather, he proclaimed
that suffering is an unavoidable reality of ordinary human existence that
is to be known and responded to wisely. While you, like all beings, may
try your hardest to experience only the good and avoid the bad, there is
simply no way for any of us to escape unpleasant experiences. They are
part of the dance, life being true to its own nature.
Chapter 3, pg 28
For your reflection: Think of a time in your past when you were truly
miserable and thought you would never be happy again. Reflect on how your
life has changed since then. Then think of a situation in your life now
that is working well and acknowledge that this too will change. Notice how
suffering and happiness are always paired.