Are you enjoying suffering?🔗

One of the most deeply hidden reasons for suffering is: you could be enjoying it. Even falling ill can become a source of pleasure if it fetches you the attention and care you have been craving for.

A small story:

A man working in a large firm would bring the same dish for lunch everyday. Everyday he would complain about how much he hated that particular dish, and his sympathetic friends would share their lunch with him. Taking pity on the man's plight, his friends finally advised him, Why don't you ask your wife to cook something you like, for a change? How can she not be aware that you hate this dish?

What wife? the man asked in surprise. I'm a bachelor. I cook my own lunch!

How often do you find yourself doing this - in subtle ways? Deliberately creating suffering for yourself and gain self pity and another's sympathy? For instance, going without dinner just to spite someone whom you've had a quarrel with?

Examine why it sometimes gives you pleasure to inflict pain on yourself, or on others. Is there a better channel through which you can receive the same pleasure - without the suffering? Is there a positive way to tackle your needs?

Become aware - this is the first step.

The second is to accept totally the Here and Now.