Most of us at some point in life is going to find a situation or relationship difficulties.

Somethings we find difficult is likely to happen, it may be caused by your own doing and others things are not.

You may feel the word suffering is too strong a word for your discomfort, but in the Buddhist teaching the size of your pain, discomfort or suffering do not matter.

How to deal with it is the same.

 

Firstly, acceptance is upsetting me.

There is a reason why this is happening or upsetting me.

There is an end to this.

And the end is how I relate to difficulties.

The end of suffering is through the eightfold path. (Daily practices of meditation and mindfulness how we relate to other people and situations.)

 

 

 

The eightfold path is at the heart of the middle way, which turns from extremes, and encourages us to seek the simple approach. In Buddhism, the eightfold path is meant as a guideline, to be considered, to be contemplated, and to be taken on when, and only when each step is fully accepted as part of the life you seek. Buddhism never asks for blind faith, it seeks to promote learning and a process of self-discovery. (sometimes the word right is used instead of wise, it's not to be seen as a judgment, wise is perhaps a word that brings more compassion to the critical mind)

Wise Understanding:

Approaching every aspect of the practice with curiosity and a sense of search.

Wise Intent:

A commitment to cultivate qualities like compassion, generosity, and gratitude.

Wise Speech:

Speaking truthfully, avoiding slander, gossip, and abusive speech.

Before speaking check in with yourself; Is it true, Is it kind, Is helpful

Wise Action

Behaving peacefully and harmoniously; refraining from stealing, killing, and overindulgence in sensual pleasure. Contemplated what consequences have our actions? For ourselves and others?

Wise Livelihood:

Avoiding making a living in ways that cause harm, such as exploiting people or killing animals, or trading in intoxicants or weapons.

How do you feel about your work, do you feel that your job gives something positive to the world?

 Wise Effort:

Enjoy your practice here with a relaxed and gentle attitude, with an open mind and receptive heart. Cultivating positive states of mind; freeing oneself from evil and unwholesome states and preventing them from arising in the future.

Wise Mindfulness:

To be mindful is to be truly alive, present, and at one with those around you and with what you are doing. Developing awareness of the body, sensations, feelings, and states of mind. Seeing patterns and habits that are not helpful.

Wise Concentration:

Focusing on one thing at a time helps to unclutter the mind. Practicing meditation regularly helps focus in daily life.

To learn more about each path, listen to teachings on http://dharmaseed.org/talks/. You can also download a free app to your mobile phone.