How to Suffer Well

Eckhart Tolle says that “Surrender comes when you no longer ask, “Why is this happening to me?” Acceptance of the unacceptable is the greatest source of grace in this world.”  So, as Deepak Chopra says, "Suffering is pain you hold on to," it looks like letting go, or surrender, should do the trick. Wow, that's a tough one when you're really suffering. 

Here are 3 steps to suffering well:
1. Acknowledge and see that you're suffering. Is it emotional, mental, physical, spiritual? A combo? (They're all essentially connected).
2. You just have to accept it. How? I like to have some compassion for myself and the situation-send in a little love. Gently tell yourself it 'is what it is', (try not to keep it stuck and alive in your mind) and move on to step #3. 
3. Ask for the lesson or learning from it so you can move into releasing it through growth. The mind might put up a fight with this step by repeating old thoughts that may no longer be real or relevant. Skipping this one could mean that you'll keep getting the same lesson over and over and over again.  
Repeat and practise.

I find a great deal of peace in knowing that life is like a big classroom. There are no wrong lessons. Learning is learning. If I already knew everything I probably wouldn't be living this life, in this body. This isn't just a concept but a practise and every now and then when I feel myself slip out of this knowing, I remind myself that I don't have to have all the answers. I can let go of suffering and, be happy for no reason.

Teach Children How To Manage Stress

Calling all teachers, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends and adults who spend time with children, including when you're out in public and are around children you don't know...

Do a quick check of your stress energy and notice how you manage it. Children and babies are very observant.  They keenly sense energy, even if they can't verbalize or process the thoughts around it.  

Give Children Tools
Let children see, and model, your DE-stressing techniques. Allow them to see the balanced version of you-how you get to your calm place. Maybe you take a deep breath, move more slowly, sit quietly, breathe calmly, write a list, walk in nature, listen to music, sing, dance, meditate, play and instrument, or even stretch out on the floor. 

Life will happen and those young eyes notice everything, so the next time you're running late and you've spilled something on yourself as you head out the door, bring your re-actions down a notch and let your cooler head prevail. Let's offer up a mindful approach to life so we can build up a resilient next generation.