Happiness Mastery - "Pain vs. Suffering"
Copyright 2005 Julian Kalmar
Happiness lessons weren’t restricted to the master’s workshop. Once as we drove to a store, a three-legged dog limped by trying to keep up with two other dogs. As a six-year-old I became terribly sad for the poor dog.
When the master asked what was wrong, I told him. He said, “Oh, don’t worry about him, he’s perfectly happy. Don’t you see his wagging tail and happy smile?”
“Yes,” I said, “but he’s lost a leg. I feel so sorry for him.”
“Julian, that dog was probably hit by a car and was in terrible pain. A vet amputated his leg to save his life,” said the master.
I got a lump in my throat and started tearing up.
“Julian, if that dog felt sorry for himself, he’d be hiding somewhere with his tail down. Look at him. He’s playing with his friends, tail in the air, sniffing things, and exploring. He’s too involved to care about his missing leg.”
“People mope around for months if they lose a leg. They keep thinking about all the things they can’t do. They ‘suffer’ more pain by keeping it going in their minds.”
“So that dog is smarter than most people. He’s doing what he’s always done, and he probably doesn’t even think about his leg.”
“Pain can’t be avoided sometimes, but suffering is a choice. We suffer when we dwell on past pain. So always try to be like that dog: Focus on what you want to do, and do it.”
About the author:
Julian Kalmar is part of a small think tank dedicated to spreading happiness throughout the world. More happiness teachings are available in his 4-CD audio collection, “Happiness: The Highest Gift.” This collection won the June 2005 "Audio-of-the-month" award given by Audio Book News Service. (www.thehappinessformula.com)
Other Related Articles
Remain Active with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Yoga Guide
(ARA) - More and more people are performing the age-old practice of Yoga. Yoga can stretch you, it can relax you and now it may help people with arthritis. According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range...
Faux Painting Finishes
Faux and Decorative Painting Sponge painting Sponge painting is great because it is easy, fast, requires little paint and materials, and did I mention it was easy? It can be used on walls, furniture, and accessories, and can give instant facelift to dull objects. Don’t let anyone convince you...
Oriental Herbal Plasters And Ointments For Pain Relief
Most of us are acquainted with martial arts based on what we see on TV and the movies; Jacky Chan, Steven Segal, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee etc. Some of the most popular martial arts in practize today include Judo, Tek Kwan Do, Karate, which have made it to the Olympic Games, Akido, Tai Chi...
Remain Active with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Yoga Guide
(ARA) - More and more people are performing the age-old practice of Yoga. Yoga can stretch you, it can relax you and now it may help people with arthritis. According to the American Yoga Association (AYA), Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range...
Faux Painting Finishes
Faux and Decorative Painting Sponge painting Sponge painting is great because it is easy, fast, requires little paint and materials, and did I mention it was easy? It can be used on walls, furniture, and accessories, and can give instant facelift to dull objects. Don’t let anyone convince you...
Oriental Herbal Plasters And Ointments For Pain Relief
Most of us are acquainted with martial arts based on what we see on TV and the movies; Jacky Chan, Steven Segal, Jet Li, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee etc. Some of the most popular martial arts in practize today include Judo, Tek Kwan Do, Karate, which have made it to the Olympic Games, Akido, Tai Chi...