Zen Kitties know there is a big difference between pain and suffering.
Pain may be unavoidable in life as we will all experience discomfort, sickness, losses and accidents at some point. Much as we try, we cannot control every facet of our existence at all times.
What we can control however is how much of this pain we turn into suffering. Suffering is what happens when our mind takes hold of the pain we experience and turns it over and over, creating anxiety, restlessness, turmoil, insomnia, depression and any number of other ills.
The Zen mind allows everything to be just as it is. Even in experiencing pain we are free because we allow it to come and go without struggle.
Then we can get back to the much more important business of chilling out.
This is one of the hardest lessons in life, isn’t it? I have this Thich Nhat Hahn quote taped to my wall (I should probably have it taped to my forehead too!) that says, “Don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.” It helps me to catch myself when I’m holding on to something and feeling like I have to draw all the suffering I can out of it! Just love LOVE that first picture – such a perfect demonstration of pain! Have you considered the theater, Zen Kitty? 🙂
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Hey Danielle,
That is a lovely quote and so true. It has definitely been my experience that pain and joy can co-exist and indeed, often do. Thich Nhat Hanh is so wonderful isn’t he, one of the most inspiring people alive today. I spent some time at Plum Village, his place in France, and it was very pivotal for me in lots of ways.
Zen Kitty has agents knocking down the door requesting her acting talents but alas she says, that would involve moving from the sofa.
xxxxx
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Adorable photos, Lucinda
xxx
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Thanks Sue, 🙂
I should probably note that Zen Kitty was actually just yawning in the first photo, she wasn’t really in any pain!
xx
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as the Beatles said, Let it be 🙂 great pictures and philosophy dear Lucinda. Love that quote Danielle:) xxx
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