Suffering from Having Suffered ; the Spiral of Anger

Anger toward injustice and resentment linked to the past are poisons we inflict upon ourselves. By cultivating detachment and forgiveness, it is possible to stop "suffering from having suffered" to finally find inner peace and live fully in the present.

Blog Yoga Originel

Summary: Anger toward injustice and resentment linked to the past are poisons we inflict upon ourselves. By cultivating detachment and forgiveness, it is possible to stop "suffering from having suffered" to finally find inner peace and live fully in the present.

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I see people every day, on television or on the web, who are suffering, who are angry, and who harbor a tenacious hatred for those they hold responsible for the world's suffering—and for their own. It is true that some people go through more trials than others. We often say that one person is "gifted for happiness" while another is not. But what does that really mean?

No one can judge what another person is going through. It is an intimate experience, unique to the deep self and invisible to outside eyes. Sometimes, when you suffer emotionally, that feeling seems to suffocate you, to be insurmountable; then, finally, you move past it and realize it wasn't as deep as it seemed.

The Poison of Reactive Anger

I see so many people getting angry for all sorts of reasons that do not concern them at all. They always have anger in reserve: against politicians, fur, industrial farming, food additives, conspiracy theories... so many reasons, real or imaginary, to be outraged. They curse the "villains," wishing them the worst.

But in the meantime, who is suffering? Is it the corporate executive or the distant policymaker? No. Those who suffer, poisoned by their own resentment, are the ones fueling that anger. Their inner turmoil is such that they can no longer hear the music of silence and inner peace. Blindness always seeks focal points to prevent you from being serene. As Master Yoda would say: "Anger leads you to the dark side of the Force! Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate... leads to suffering."

Stop Tilting at Windmills

There is sometimes a literal hubbub within us, a "madman's playground" of irrational thoughts. Shelter yourself from this madness—and from your own above all! This is the whole point of cultivating detachment and gaining perspective on your emotions. Live your life as best as you can, without exhausting yourself by hunting down "villains." Tilting at windmills like Don Quixote has never fostered happiness.

Life is a beautiful thing; do not let the stupidity of others spoil your joy of living. Empathy is a quality, but if it does not relieve the other person and only increases your own distress, what is the point?

Releasing the Weight of the Past

Some suffer because of their past. But the past is over. Why continue to suffer from it? Lighten your load by living in the present moment. Practice forgiveness, toward others and toward yourself first. Do not stay stuck on an old wound; everyone suffers, everyone has suffered. Suffering is unpleasant enough on its own, but suffering because you have suffered is suffering squared!

Do what you can with who you are right now. You don't need to be "perfect" to start moving. It is your life: live it in the present. Do not wait to feel better before you act; the more you are obsessed with your shortcomings, the less you progress.

The Power of Forgiveness and Natural Law

Time does its work; do not stop it by constantly replaying old childhood memories. Forgive those who hurt you; they probably didn't have a conscious intention to do so. Perhaps they were suffering themselves, acting out of pure habit or ignorance.

You are more than just a memory; you are a much broader identity. If your memory is traumatized by bad memories, your deep essence has never been altered by the cruelty or unconsciousness of others. Identify with your resilience, not your scars.

As for the profiteers and the egoists of this world, do not focus on them: it is your life you are wasting, not theirs. They do not need you to lose their way. Natural law (or karma) dictates that every action generates a reaction. Let this intrinsic justice take its course. Do not take yourself for a universal vigilante and finally give yourself a chance to be happy. No one will do it for you. Practice perspective and detachment.

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