Uncomfortable emotions in and of themselves don't cause suffering. What causes suffering is the way that the mind interprets the sensations in the body and tells a story about them, which centers around a conceptual self. 

For example, a contraction may appear in the belly area. From the higher perspective of the True self, consciousness, this is a neutral experience. It just is. It has no inherent meaning. The nature of consciousness is unconditional love so there is simply awareness of the sensation and no agenda to change it or get rid of it. 

However, if the mind translates the sensation in the belly into a story, such as, "I have no worth because this sensation is appearing", an instant enemy has been born and all attention and effort must then be directed towards eliminating this enemy (the sensation in the belly) because it is painful to believe the story about its meaning. This inner war creates a sense of separation and suffering.

By seeing the story that the mind has created, recognizing that it is not the truth and welcoming all emotions with unconditional love, instant peace is possible. 

This is a clip from the Wales retreat on July 17th, 2022.

Louise Kay holds group events and retreats online and around the world.

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