The Sixth Characteristic… karma yoga Suffering and Hardship

The sixth characteristic is to be able to endure suffering and hardships. Life is filled with suffering but is also full of wonder, offering us numerous opportunities to endure and rise above it. There will always be suffering, hardships, losses, pain, anguish, and fear. To endure suffering and hardships means to persist through challenging circumstances without giving up. It involves facing and overcoming adversity, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. This requires mental and emotional strength, resilience, and perseverance. It involves recognizing that challenges and struggles are a natural part of accepting life and may be necessary for personal growth and development. For example, karma teaches us that if someone hurts us, causing suffering and hardship, we should accept this as an opportunity to find inner peace and liberation within ourselves. By emotionally detaching from the pain of insults, abuse, and suffering, we have the opportunity to cultivate compassion and understanding within ourselves. In this, we learn to work our karma. Once, a man sought to anger a saint by insulting him and using abusive language. The saint sat quietly and still. The man screamed, “Don’t you understand what I am saying about you?” The saint answered, “Yes.” And then the man yelled, “How can you sit there so quietly and still?” The saint answered, “Suppose you brought me some fruit, and I refused it. What would you do?” “I would take it back,” said the man. “In the same way, I refuse to accept the things you have called me so that you may take them back,” he replied. END: Karma yoga is a holistic approach to addressing suffering and hardships by integrating physical, mental, and soulful energy. This approach requires finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic and sometimes challenging world. Even though life can be complex and full of suffering and hardships, we must focus on the good, the lessons, and the growth. To endure suffering and hardships, you must develop great courage, patience, and determination. Draw on your inner resources, such as faith, hope, and a sense of purpose, to help you through difficult times. Life is chaotic. Sufferings and hardships are part of human life. They will not disappear. Like the saint, practice liberation; refuse to let them destroy your inner sense of peace. In this, you will know what it means to work your karma. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego is our psyche. It is our sense of self and identity and can play a significant role in dealing with suffering and hardships. The ego sometimes identifies with suffering, a fundamental aspect of our identity. This can lead to victimization or self-pity, and this may intensify suffering. The ego may compare suffering to others, either to minimize our pain or to magnify it. Victimization creates a feeling of superiority or inferiority. The ego seeks to control difficult experiences by attempting to fix or resolve them. While taking action may be helpful, the ego can get overly attached to control and may struggle to accept a situation that cannot be changed, intensifying the suffering and hardship. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the deepest aspect of our being. It is the source of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than our ego self. The soul responds to suffering with compassion and understanding by recognizing that all of life is interconnected and that we all share the joys and sorrows of life. Rather than being a victim, the soul finds meaning in suffering and hardships, using them for personal growth, learning, and transformation. The soul draws upon a deep sense of faith to endure suffering and hardship and find peace. This characteristic will help you emulate the saint and refuse to accept anything that disturbs your inner peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com