Through Suffering

 

The metaphor of the athlete is often used to describe the value of struggle, of suffering, and of hard work to accomplish a goal. Anyone with common sense, with the ability to think clearly, and the ability to see the consequences of one’s actions will understand that in order to reach a goal you have set for yourself, working hard, gaining knowledge, gaining understanding and gaining wisdom are requirements for success.

To successfully complete running a marathon, one must exercise and practice for months or years in advance. To succeed in any sporting event or any athletic endeavor one must practice, rehearse, work hard, and struggle against the desire to take the easy path. To succeed as a musician, as a vocalist, or in any other field of choice, great effort, struggle, and passion are required to be acknowledged and recognized as one worthy of attention.

When a challenge works its way into our life, into our path, or within our mind, we need to understand the challenge, understand the consequences of not dealing with or conquering the challenge if we are hoping to be successful. Taking control of our bodies, forcing ourselves to not take the easy path of laziness or distraction is difficult work to achieve.

Our minds are like our bodies in this same regard. Think of your mind like a funnel, if someone throws something at you, the natural response is to try to avoid being hit by the projectile. Too often most people will embrace whatever thought comes into their mind, run with it, dwell on it, and make it the bulk of their attention.

Even better, when corrupt, perverse, ugly, or illegal thoughts come into our minds, we need to redirect our thoughts onto something good, right, and beautiful so that we are not willfully corrupting ourselves. Very much like our diet, if we want to be healthy, we eat fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, low salt, low fat, and high-quality food. A steady diet of fast food, snacks, and soda will not lead to a strong, healthy body.

Be thoughtful, be wise, and be intelligent about what you allow to take control of your mind, your heart, and your attention. Seek after that which is good, right, and beautiful. It is through hard work, struggle, and suffering that we will become better, stronger, and wiser. Success does not come from taking the easy path, the lazy path, or a life of distraction.