Not sure I'm making good use of suffering. I'm not in pain. My suffering feels so trivial, even in so far it is identifiable. Don't feel satisfied about what I do. Spending time doing puzzles. Then rushing around not doing things like keeping a tidier house.
Beautiful gift from a Thich Nhat Hanh Monastic. When nuisance thoughts and feelings arise, he stops; gets present; and sings them a little song; relates to them and welcomes them. Am determined to try this practice till something shifts (or not!). Here are the words of the song and a link to him singing it:
I had some trouble finding the singing. Here's a more precise link: https://youtu.be/jejxfFmX-vs?si=IBZEyiSUkVBD3_bk&t=2130. I liked seeing how the singing affected the very serious monk sitting next to the speaker! Anyway, thank you for sharing this, Mark! And thank you for singing to your world, which is also mine!
I too loved how that very serious monk couldn't suppress a smile! However, he isn't actually that serious. He sometimes publicly admits he looks like Brother Grumpy. And he is also a composer of songs and sang one during another presentation in this Buddha the Scientist conference.
Like it or not, suffering is a part of life. In our vulnerability our hearts crack open & we grow.
Our compassion for others is a part of the growth our suffering brings.
“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
“Life is a tragedy full of joy.” ~ Bernard Malamud
Thanks for adding these quotes to the conversation, Mish, as well as your own wisdom.
Not sure I'm making good use of suffering. I'm not in pain. My suffering feels so trivial, even in so far it is identifiable. Don't feel satisfied about what I do. Spending time doing puzzles. Then rushing around not doing things like keeping a tidier house.
Beautiful gift from a Thich Nhat Hanh Monastic. When nuisance thoughts and feelings arise, he stops; gets present; and sings them a little song; relates to them and welcomes them. Am determined to try this practice till something shifts (or not!). Here are the words of the song and a link to him singing it:
Hello, hello
something in me.
I am aware that you are in there
and you sure have got a good reason to be.
Hello hello
something in me
I am aware that you are in there
and I'm going to keep you company.
https://youtu.be/jejxfFmX-vs?t=2369
Love to hear anyone's thoughts about this.
I had some trouble finding the singing. Here's a more precise link: https://youtu.be/jejxfFmX-vs?si=IBZEyiSUkVBD3_bk&t=2130. I liked seeing how the singing affected the very serious monk sitting next to the speaker! Anyway, thank you for sharing this, Mark! And thank you for singing to your world, which is also mine!
I too loved how that very serious monk couldn't suppress a smile! However, he isn't actually that serious. He sometimes publicly admits he looks like Brother Grumpy. And he is also a composer of songs and sang one during another presentation in this Buddha the Scientist conference.
HA! I was caught in the web of appearances. Thanks for cutting me loose!