The Dance of Surrendering Suffering
Life is a series of initiations. Some moments are jubilant, while others can be gut-wrenchingly painful. However, what if we approached each phase, particularly the tough ones, as a chance to grow? Bentinho, in his teachings, often hints at this concept.
Every instance of suffering, pain, or discomfort can be seen as a call to return to our true essence. The fear we attach to these painful experiences lessens when we choose to embrace them wholeheartedly. By surrendering our resistance, we’re essentially offering our suffering back to its origin – the Source, or as many refer to it, God.
Now, this doesn’t mean we need to seek out suffering or increase it intentionally. Instead, it’s about being acutely aware of our surroundings, actions, and feelings. When we align with what our higher self, or God, desires for us, we can navigate away from choices that lead us down a path of unnecessary pain.
However, the pains of our past, the unresolved traumas, and deep-seated beliefs, are still there. It takes immense courage to confront these “trace amounts of suffering.” Bentinho suggests a simple yet profound idea: “Give up your allegiance to it.” Don’t let suffering be the director of your life story.
When we encounter suffering, whether it’s a sudden jolt of pain or a lingering shadow from the past, we often link it to external factors – people, objects, situations. But the transformative moment arrives when we detach from these object dependencies and surrender our suffering to a higher power. It’s akin to releasing a heavy burden we’ve been carrying for miles.
Many have felt the cathartic release that comes from this surrender. Even in the midst of pain, there emerges a kind of bittersweet perfection – a glimmer of bliss and clarity.
So, the next time you find yourself in the grip of suffering, remember this: You might be attributing your pain to an external factor, an object or a situation. But by simply redirecting that suffering – giving it back to God or the universe – you alter its very nature.
This doesn’t mean the suffering magically disappears. But as Ben often highlights, this act of surrender begins a transformative process. Your pain might still be present, but it’s now a catalyst for growth. Instead of festering, it’s turning to gold.
In the words of the spiritual classic, the Bhagavad Gita: “Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good.”
The journey of life is a dance – sometimes slow and painful, other times jubilant and fast-paced. Through surrender, even in suffering, we can find our rhythm and flow gracefully.
Quote:
“Embrace each moment, even the painful ones, for they are all a call back to our true essence.” – Bentinho Massaro
Bible:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28