Unwarranted sufferings

We suffer more in imagination than in reality. —Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Though life might be the most beautiful of all gifts, it is hardly a win-win scheme. We do receive life effortlessly, but leading it is hardly as easy. This is because each of us repays life in the currency of sufferings. While we might object to the sufferings we face, what often goes unnoticed is their origin and nature. Rarely do we reflect on whether these sufferings truly exist or are merely imagined. Therefore, there is a need to contemplate the genesis and nature of the sufferings we encounter. This reflection would help us relieve ourselves of unwarranted hardships and stay alive in the moment.

The mind, as a powerful tool, enables us to imagine, create, innovate and envision multiple possibilities. Nevertheless, imagination has downsides, such as giving rise to many sufferings that do not necessarily exist in real life. We often allow the mind to trick us into favouring negative imagined scenarios that make us suffer, despite reality having no connection. This is done, among other ways, through anticipatory sufferings, catastrophising, regretting the past, worrying about the future, ingratitude, the habit of expectations, and overthinking.

First, anticipatory sufferings are one of the most common ways we endure unnecessary hardship. This happens when we anticipate negative outcomes or detrimental consequences well before they manifest. Our minds tend to magnify potential discomfort, making us feel as if we are experiencing it in advance. However, reality might turn out to be different from what we anticipate, leading to undue suffering.

Second, catastrophising is another malady plaguing our lives. This involves imagining the worst-case scenario in day-to-day and life events. Whether waiting for results, attending an interview, meeting a notable person or entering a new workplace environment, we tend to envision a pessimistic outlook. This builds stress and prevents us from realising our potential.

Third, instead of living in the moment and working towards a better future, fixation on past events robs us of the joy of the present. This way, we allow our minds to dig out hardships that had been buried in the ruins of time.

Fourth, worrying about the future makes us suffer over things that don’t even exist. Engaging in constant worry about the fate of relationships, livelihood or events we deem important creates a bleak future in our minds, causing unnecessary stress in the present moment. This pushes us into utopian distress and makes us victims of unrealistic sufferings.

Fifth, a persistent sense of ingratitude makes us prisoners of an ever-evolving cascade of desires. Prioritising what we don’t have over what we possess prevents us from finding joy in our belongings, leading to a path of suffering and dissatisfaction. This way, we are forced into the whirlpool of uncertainties and the unattainable lot.

Sixth, expectations equally lead to suffering in our lives. Anticipating a particular outcome, expectations lead to frustration when things turn out contrary to our beliefs. This frustration robs us of the sense of enjoying life. The resulting sufferings are creations of the mind in the name of expectations.

Last but not least, overthinking puts us on the path to suffering by perpetuating negative thoughts, scenarios or uncertainties. It leads to unrealistic fears, induces stress and heightens anxiety and emotional distress, adversely affecting our overall well-being. The agonies that overthinking brings are rarely rooted in reality. Instead, they are the outcomes of imagination and, henceforth, fictitious sources of agonising thought patterns. Factors like obsession to envy, fear, anger, lies and regret also contribute to unrealistic sufferings.

Acknowledging that the scenarios generated by our imagination are not necessarily connected to reality can help us master our lives by regulating our cognitive tendencies. Undoing the unwarranted sufferings would help afford us the life of serenity and satisfaction. Consciously appraising our emotional and behavioural reactions, practising mindfulness, adopting a present-centred approach and displaying optimism can help us relieve ourselves of unrealistic sufferings.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2023.

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