People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” Hanh Thich Nhat
I am not saying that what we go through is all in our heads or made up. Terrible and unfortunate events happen to people every single day. What I’m saying is that although we experience a lot of pain in our lives, suffering is optional. Most people say something along the lines of filtering the water or even boiling it. What most people don’t realize is that if we let the bowl of dirty water sit for a period of time, we can see that the dirt begins to settle on its own in the water and after a while, the water becomes clear on its own. This is how our minds also work. If we let our thinking sit without disturbing it by trying to “filter” or “boil” it, the thinking will settle down on its own and our minds will become free from thinking. The natural state of water is clear, and the natural state of our minds is also clear if we do not disturb it. If life begins to feel unclear, disorganized, stressful, and you’re not sure what to do next, you now know that it’s only because your thinking is stirring up the dirt, making your mind cloudy and difficult to see ahead. You can use this as an indicator to help you realize that you’re thinking way too much. Let me explain you through story of young monk,
In a tranquil forest monastery near a serene lake, a young Zen monk grappled with anger during meditation due to constant disturbances. Seeking solace, he rowed to the lake’s center, hoping for uninterrupted peace. However, his tranquility was shattered by an approaching boat, causing frustration to boil within him. To his surprise, the boat was empty, prompting a profound realization: his anger stemmed not from external disruptions, but from his own reactions. Returning to the monastery, he embraced distractions as fleeting and inconsequential, finding inner calm amidst external chaos. Recognizing his newfound understanding, his mentor praised his growth and resilience.
In short, the moment we stop thinking is when our happiness begins.
