Life has thrown me some real curve-balls over the last few years, but one thing that always makes me grateful is that I look around the world and really kind of force myself to witness the utter horror that some people have had to endure in their lives. And maybe this is callous and selfish of me, but that knowledge helps me get through because I can almost always say to myself, "Well, at least I am not one of those poor souls".
Hi Jonathon, similarly to you, life and fate have been very harsh at times and like you I find strength in these comparisons. Your comment reminded me of a quote I use I forget who wrote it, but here it is:
“Any of my problems can be measured against the full force of sin and suffering presently occurring anywhere in the world.”
Lovely post, reminiscent of the stoic concept that we do not die once, but a bit every day. This helped me on the subject. Somehow suffering has always brought me closer to gratitude as well though I have trouble explaining that phenomena.
I agree that direct suffering or this sort of artificial perspective-based suffering grounds us in reality and allows us easier access to a "view from above" that make life so much richer.
Life has thrown me some real curve-balls over the last few years, but one thing that always makes me grateful is that I look around the world and really kind of force myself to witness the utter horror that some people have had to endure in their lives. And maybe this is callous and selfish of me, but that knowledge helps me get through because I can almost always say to myself, "Well, at least I am not one of those poor souls".
Hi Jonathon, similarly to you, life and fate have been very harsh at times and like you I find strength in these comparisons. Your comment reminded me of a quote I use I forget who wrote it, but here it is:
“Any of my problems can be measured against the full force of sin and suffering presently occurring anywhere in the world.”
This is in line with Stoicism and what modern psychology research suggests is good for thriving.
However, there's another good approach here — not just contrasting our position favorably with distant countries, but also against distant times and our ancestors: https://andrewperlot.substack.com/p/how-wise-people-escape-from-our-dystopia
B E A U T I F U L !!!~!!! So many thanks 👍👍👍
Humbleness and constant awareness that even yourself could vanish at any moment helps ...
Thanks for the pertinent reminder, Andrew
Welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Lovely post, reminiscent of the stoic concept that we do not die once, but a bit every day. This helped me on the subject. Somehow suffering has always brought me closer to gratitude as well though I have trouble explaining that phenomena.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
I agree that direct suffering or this sort of artificial perspective-based suffering grounds us in reality and allows us easier access to a "view from above" that make life so much richer.