“It has been said, and I truly think, that suffering is the first grace…

The movement of descent and discovery begins at the moment you consciously become dissatisfied with life…

Suffering should neither be denied awareness, avoided, despised, nor glorified, clung to dramatized. The emergence of suffering is not so much good as it is a good sign, an indication that one is starting to realize that life lived outside of unity consciousness is ultimately painful, distressful, and sorrowful. The life of boundaries is a life of battles— of fear, anxiety, pain, and finally death. It is only through all manner of numbing compensations, distractions, and enchantments that we agree not to question our illusory boundaries, the root cause of the endless wheel of agony. But sooner or later, if we are not rendered totally insensitive, our defensive compensations begin to fail their soothing and concealing purpose. As a consequence, we begin to suffer in one way or another, because our awareness is finally directed toward the conflict-ridden nature of our false boundaries and the fragmented life supported by them.” ~The Simple Feeling Of Being by Ken Wilber

Pema Chodron on how to relate to suffering… Brilliant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZw7mITVbcc&playnext=1&list=PL4753F1D7602AA5DF

Elephant 365 is an example of Elephant Journal’s commitment to the Mindful Life. Everyday we will offer a new reading regarding meditation practice and the spiritual path, all infused with a fresh perspective on traditional spirituality. If you would like to follow Elephant 365 on FaceBook click here and become a fan of Elephant Meditation by clicking the “Like” tab at the top of the page.