A Deeper Look into Our Sufferings Reflection!

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Next week, I have my surgery appointment, and before I go under the surgeon’s knife, as the Germans say, I wanted to say “a short” goodbye. Since I know most of you are doing very well, as I receive your posts every day, every hour, you can send your positive thoughts towards my surgical table in between!

There are no words to describe the suffering and pain I endured, as I understand that one must experience it oneself to truly grasp its affliction. I hope that none of you experience that!
What I can say with certainty is that I have gained invaluable insights. I learned about my weaknesses and the extent of my power. I have discovered how low one can go and where the steps are to climb up.

It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasure of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.
~Joseph Campbell

I learned about my deep depression, where tiny fairies would converse with me. I’ve learned to remain resilient despite all challenges, echoing Ernest Hemingway’s words: “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” Additionally, one of his characters, Harry Morgan, states in “To Have and Have Not”: “A man alone ain’t got no chance,” yet he persistently strives to do his best! Of course, I had support from my adorable wife, son, and a few friends. Nevertheless, during my most challenging times, it was ultimately up to me to endure that pain alone. I’m very stubborn about seeking help!

As I conclude my post, I would like to acknowledge my mentor, Dr. Jung, and his perspective on suffering:

via: Carljungdepthpsychologysite.blog With heartfelt thanks to my friend and teacher, Lewis Lafontaine.

Letters of C. G. Jung: Volume 2, 1951-1961

Dear Herr N., 28 April 1955

Your ideas bring you up against a general cultural problem, which is infinitely complicated.

What is true in one place is untrue in another.

β€œSuffering is the swiftest steed that bears you to perfection,” and the contrary is also true.

β€œBreaking in” can be discipline, and this is needed for the emotional chaos of man, though at the same time it can kill the living spirit, as we have seen only too often.

In my opinion, there is no magical word that could finally unravel this whole complex of questions; nor is there any method of thinking or living or acting which would eliminate suffering and unhappiness.

If a man’s life consists half of happiness and half of unhappiness, this is probably the optimum that can be reached, and it remains forever an unresolved question whether suffering is educative or demoralising.

In any case, it would be wrong to give oneself up to relativism and indifferentism.

Whatever can be bettered in a given place at a given time should certainly be done, for it would be sheer folly to do otherwise.

Man’s fate has always swung between day and night.

There is nothing we can do to change this.

Yours sincerely,

C.G. Jung ~Carl Jung, Letters Vol. II, Page 248.

I hope everyone enjoys a tranquil and relaxing time; take care and stay healthy. πŸ™πŸ’–πŸŒΉ

38 thoughts on “A Deeper Look into Our Sufferings Reflection!”

  2. Dear Aladin, thank you for sharing such deep reflections. Your courage and resilience in the face of suffering shine through your words, and it’s clear how deeply this journey has been shaping your strength and wisdom. We’ll both be keeping you in are thoughts as you approach your surgery.

    We hope the love and light you’ve been finding on your journey through life continues to grow and guide you forward. Wishing you healing, strength and the steadfast support of those who care for you, Deborah and Lin xx

    Liked by 2 people

    • These words truly warm my heart and motivate me to remain focused. Although this procedure isn’t the most complex surgery, it’s my first time; I’ve never undergone such a surgery before! Nonetheless, the key point is to remove those tubes! Thank you both, my dearest guardian angels. πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ’–πŸ€—πŸ€—πŸ€—πŸŒΉπŸŒΉπŸŒΉ

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Your text leads us to deep reflections on the impermanence of all things, on attachments, on facing challenges, pain and despair when faced with an illness, whether with ourselves or a loved one. I hope that benevolent energies are guiding this surgery and that your recovery is quick, my friend. Thank you for the excellent posts, have a great weekend! πŸ˜‰πŸ™πŸ»βœ¨βœπŸ»πŸŒπŸ§šπŸ»β€β™€οΈ

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Dear Aladin, thank you for sharing your thoughts, which are so wise and profound.
    I admire your courage and resilience in the face of suffering

    You will be in my thoughts as you approach the surgery.

    PS; in the most tragic events we manage to find a strength that we did not even know we possessed

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dear Aladin,

    Knowing you were ill, and suffering was one thing. Now, to get a clearer image of your pain is another.

    I’m hoping the operation will put an end to the pain, and improve the quality of your life.

    Sincerely with affection and great hopes,

    Resa

    xoπŸ’™β¦πŸ€—πŸ’™

    Liked by 1 person

    • Heartfelt gratitude, my dear Resa. I usually don’t talk much about my pains, as I believe they are my own, and my friends and loved ones don’t need to worry about them. However, sometimes it is good to release the pain, which helps immensely!
      Yesterday, I was in the hospital for the preliminary surgical consultation, and it turns out that my PSA levels have decreased, which means that the risk of having cancer is very low. The first good omen!! πŸ§πŸ’–πŸ™πŸ₯°πŸŒΉπŸ¦‹πŸ’₯

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I’m not good with suffering. I see no point to the hours I’ve spent in pain. I doubt they’ve made me a better person.

    I gain some empathy, which isn’t a bad thing – while totally lacking the ability to do anything about anyone else’s suffering.

    The concept of ‘offering it up’ sounds ridiculous – though I do when I can. How can hours of my pain help a baby with cancer, a man on death row?

    I hope yours is improved by the surgery – or at least not made worse. My experience there is so negative it amounts to medical PTSD. I manage to get through the days, occasionally being able to write a few words, but most days I barely manage not to need more care from my husband, who is overloaded doing everything I would have done if I were not ill – leaving not much time for the optional stuff.

    Sorry I’m so negative – I know what is said about it, but I’m not a better person because of it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • You are a heartfelt person, my dear Alicia. Honestly, I thought of you while writing this post. Those who suffer from their own pains often alone, although speaking about them can help to discover one’s own strength!
      Nevertheless, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I truly appreciate it.

      Like

  10. Susan Scott's avatar Susan Scott

    it’s extraordinary how suffering and pain leads us us to experience inner strengths we didn’t know we had, when we consciously suffer. Good luck for upcoming surgery Aladin. Trust the process. Sending love.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Best wishes to you Aladin. Will keep your health and well-being in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all the kindness and rich information you’ve shared through the years. We will look forward to your return. πŸ’

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I usually skim-read blogger’s posts due sheer volume. But your words haved forced me to slow down and really take in what’s being said. You’ve gained so much wisdom on this journey, Aladin, and shared it with so much courage. Thank you. Praying, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I feel so sad dear friend to hear to this severe pain you are in. It sounds like you have been to he and back! I am very glad this surgery is happening and I hope it provides some relief to you. Big hugs and I hope and pray the surgery makes you feel happier and healthier πŸ™ πŸ’—

    Liked by 1 person

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