How to reduce suffering through meaning in life

Suffering is inevitable in life. It comes in many forms. Broadly speaking, it can be physical or emotional. Both of these are perceived by us as unpleasant sensations of varying intensity.

Given this premise, how can we best approach suffering?

It is essential to choose what to suffer for. When we give meaning to our suffering and choose a direction in life, our perceived levels of suffering are reduced, science shows [1] [2]. Suffering can be directed or undirected. What do I mean by this? When a guitarist practices their instrument, they may feel blisters developing on their hands. They may feel other forms of physical discomfort, such as prolonged periods of playing in an uncomfortable bodily position. They may feel emotional suffering, because their efforts are not rewarded. They may think that their work is not appreciated enough, that they do not have enough likes on their social media account, enough money generated from gigs or direct music sales.

Another form of suffering is undirected, purposeless suffering. What do I mean by this? It is suffering due to external factors, out of our control. These can be frustrations at the political situation in the country, unhelpful encounters with other people in society or even self-inflicted forms of suffering, such as addiction, substance abuse, difficulty managing relationships and self-sabotage.

What suffering should one concentrate on?

I think that the key is to focus one’s suffering and life energies with intent. What is our life energy focussed towards? What is our goal? Do we have a deep, long lasting sense of purpose?

Having clear answers to these questions helps us to get through life more easily. It allows us to make sense of our suffering, embrace it and find meaning in it. The alternative is excessive suffering with no clear purpose. This can lead to degenerative health or simply to unnecessary and preventable suffering.

What is the alternative?

If we adopt a mindset of purpose, we move towards agency. Agency is the state of justified, planned, mindful action. An individual may find agency in many ways, it is a mindset, not a specifically defined task. A task may be performed with agency or without it. If it is performed without it, the task feels burdensome, tiring and motivation is low. If on the other hand, the task is done with agency, there is an enhanced feeling of wellbeing, of positive energy and effortless concentration.

I plead the reader to consider these options and make a choice about their preferred way of approaching suffering in life.

References

[1] Kaftanski, W., & Hanson, J. (2022). Suffering, authenticity, and meaning in life: Toward an integrated conceptualization of well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1079032

[2] Edwards, M. E., & Van Tongeren, D. R. (2020). Meaning mediates the association between suffering and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(6), 722–733. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2019.1651890