We all have experienced some form of suffering in our lives. Most of us think that suffering is caused by the stressful environment and circumstances in which we live in. Although I agree that they can amplify our suffering, I do not believe they are the cause of it.
Firstly, suffering is universal to all sentient beings. It exist intrinsically in everyone of us.
Secondly, I believe suffering originates from within our minds and not from any external factors.
Lastly, I believe that we can choose to redirect or remove our anticipation of suffering inwardly through peaceful self-reflection. If we keep at it regularly, it can ultimately lead to its cessation.
Suffering is natural to all animal lives and not particularly only a human condition. What is unique for us is that we can choose not to accept it. We have the ability to think of our thoughts, adapt, change and say to ourselves "I like the way I am becoming".
There are numerous secular philosophies out there that can help with this process of self reflection. Stoicism, Jeremy Bentham's hedonism utilitarianism and Buddhism just to name a few.
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