Teaching #14: The Inner Fire We Call Suffering
The Buddha frequently used the image of fire when explaining suffering. Ironically, exposing yourself to the heat is how you begin the journey that will eventually put out the flames. If you don’t submit yourself to the fires of your dukkha – your pains, losses, frustrations, as well as your likes and dislikes – they will consume you ... The sole solution is to open to the fires created by the discomfort of your mind and body in such a way that you are transformed by the heat, softened, and made stronger by it.
Chapter 5, Pg 43-45
For your reflection: Observe what happens if you say to yourself each time a physical or emotional difficulty arises, “this is difficult and I choose to be aware of it.” Does the choice change your relationship to the experience?