I often talk about how all suffering comes from thought taken as truth. That can sometimes be heard as cold or insensitive.

It looks to me like there are three primary misunderstandings at play when this message is heard in this way. Three things that are not what’s being said, but are how it is commonly heard. 

1. It can be heard as negating experience (e.g., If my suffering is made of thought, you’re saying it’s not real, true, or valid) 

2. It’s sometimes heard as me saying one’s experience should, or even could, be different from what it is (e.g., If this is thought, you’re saying I could just think differently and have a different experience).

3. It can be heard as if one’s experience is one’s fault. (e.g., If my experience is thought, I’m guilty of creating it). Or, similarly, as if it lets others off the hook (e.g., if a Ukrainian’s experience is thought, Putin is off the hook). 

These are very common and very understandable. And none of them are what’s being said. 

***

After a very long, very virtual two years, the amazing LSBC Live event is back! 

We’ll gather in person from June 3 to 5th in Chicago for 2 ½ days of connection, exploration, and a lot of hugs, laughter and insights around this year’s theme, Life Appearing as Everything.

I would love to gather and immerse in this conversation with you in Chicago in June. For full details and to save your seat with early bird pricing, visit https://dramyjohnson.com/lsbclive2022/

The post EP195: When this message sounds cold and insensitive appeared first on Dr. Amy Johnson.