On Pain

There are two parts to pain. The pain that we experience. And the pain that we hold on to. One is a momentary happening that quickly fades. The other is a story we internalize into the essence of who we are.

When pain becomes part of our identity, we unconsciously signal that we are looking for pain. It’s always the person that says that they don't want drama that secretly attracts it.

When pain happens, we see it as a sign that its us against the world.

While this behavior is often associated with the victim mentality where the individual is seeking out reasons why they're oppressed, it can also manifest in people that don't consider themselves to be victims. The person that prides themselves on overcoming pain might also seek out reasons for pain so that it is something they can overcome.

Whatever the cause, the end result is that instead of letting pain pass through us, we instead cling to it. Every occurrences makes the pain body bigger. And it becomes more attached to our identity.

The opposite of clinging is surrender. Let the pain come. Let it pass.

Realize that you don't actually want to be in pain. That having pain be part of your identity no longer serves you.

Maybe your ego is holding on because it has become a part of your identity. A person whose life is filled with pain.

When you decide that you don't want to suffer, you choose to let go of this.

Instead, you surrender to the present. To the possible. To life.