Buddhism teaches us that life will bring suffering to everyone, we need to accept this as inevitable. I’m not buddhist or religious but i recognize a truth when i encounter one. Birth, old-age, sickness and death are life’s rites of passage. Whatever your place in society, nothing will protect you from these inevitable challenges. As we recognize that money and power are powerless against such sources of suffering, we must also realize that friendship, family and even love might help us cope but might as well create more suffering during these life’s transitions. For it is true that the more we love, the harder it will be to say goodbye. Being happy gives us no insurance that we’ll be strong when things fall apart.
The question that remains is how do we build resilience that will help us live through old-age, sickness and death?
The answer is: develop inner peace. While we are well, it is the best time to look for this peace in ourselves, this strong confidence in our ability to accept suffering and loss without losing ourselves in the darkness pain brings. There are many ways to find peace but it will not be found in the things we do. Inner peace only requires a shift in our perspective. It can be found after a long struggle with life or it can be realized right here, right now, in this instant.
I find my peace in every day life. I appreciate every moment mindful that it is a privilege to be well. Every day I try to find beauty in this world, reasons to be grateful. If I don’t, I create it. This process is not always easy but perseverance is key. Gratefulness is an important part of the equation. With time, a confidence arises. Whatever happens, I can find beauty, I can smile and be grateful. Whatever suffering I encounter, I have The conviction that nothing will stop me from seeing, creating or sharing beauty in this world.
This is the source of my inner peace.
This is the source of my resilience.
This is the source of my happiness.
Thank you.
Original post Facebook, April 2015
Martin Pham Dinh 