Workshop – Why Do We Suffer? (And How Can We Reduce Suffering?)
Suffering is a universal experience—no one is exempt from it.
We suffer at work—because of our boss, our employees, or the tasks we must do.
We suffer in relationships—We suffer our partners, their parents, our parents or our children, who bring suffering from the moment they are born. We suffer as they grow, as they become adults, and it never truly ends.
We suffer in marriage, in singlehood, in divorce, and in widowhood. We suffer as children, as teens, and as adults.
We suffer at the dentist, in traffic, and from the circumstances of our lives.
Our own actions and the actions of others cause suffering.
The bottom line: The world constantly brings us suffering.
Why?
Because we do not accept situations as they are—we resist reality.
We are easily affected by what happens to us. We have no control over life’s events. Nothing ever unfolds exactly as we planned. Rarely do we get exactly what we want.
Most of the time, what we desire is out of reach, and what we have is not what we want.
We always want something to change—and for the better.
We are never fully satisfied with our lives.
Most of the time, things don’t go as we wish, and we rarely experience true joy.
Without realizing it, we are caught in a kind of chase:
On the one hand, we pursue things that bring us pleasure.
On the other, we avoid and flee from things that bring us pain and suffering.
Join me in exploring this fundamental question and gaining a new perspective on suffering.
Workshop Details
Over six sessions, we will deepen our understanding of suffering:
- What it is
- Where it comes from
- How it is created
- What sustains it
- How we can reduce it
- What has suffering got to do with joy
We will practice applying these insights in daily life. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the topic, integrating metaphors, examples, and group discussions.
Main Topics Covered
Understanding the nature of suffering and how it manifests in our daily lives Learning to recognize suffering, uncover what sustains it, and become more aware of it Developing resilience and strategies for dealing with life’s challenges Gaining practical tools for self-reflection and improving relationships with others and the world
For more details and to register, click here.
- Understanding suffering and the difference between suffering and pain
- Why suffering is subjective and intangible, whereas pain is objective
- Exploring suffering through the metaphor of the “Rope Snake”
- Who is the one experiencing suffering?
Practice: Creating a personal and private list of suffering
Session 1: Introduction to Suffering
Topic: What is suffering, and who suffers?
- How to distinguish between distant observation and identification with thoughts
- Analyzing thought and emotional patterns from a detached perspective using the metaphor of “The Tenth Man”
- Cultivating awareness of the present moment—suffering stems from both the past and the future
Practice: Reflecting on past suffering and suffering caused by the future
Session 2: Developing the Ability to Observe Suffering
Topic: The Art of Non-Judgmental Observation
- Analyzing emotional reactions that cause suffering in relationships
- Identifying real-life examples from our personal and professional relationships
- Learning how to reduce reactivity and respond (or not respond) from a place of clarity
- Understanding how the ego contributes to suffering, using the metaphor of “The Chariot”
Practice: Further refinement of our personal suffering list and an open discussion
Session 3:
How Suffering Manifests in Relationships
Topic: Suffering that arises from interactions and conflicts in our lives
- Understanding the link between emotional maturity and suffering
- Identifying situations that trigger stress and learning how to cope with them
- What do people truly desire, and how does that desire cause suffering?
- Exploring this question through the metaphor of “The Tree”
Session 4: How Mental Resilience Helps in Dealing with Suffering
Topic: Managing emotions and identifying destabilizing situations
- Actively working on our personal suffering lists
- Analyzing and identifying the root causes of suffering
- Developing personalized exercises for integrating these insights into daily life
- How can we start enjoying life? Exploring this through the metaphor of “Fire”
Practice: Personal writing exercise—documenting a daily experience and observing how suffering has shifted over time
Session 5: Breaking Down Suffering
Topic: Practical tools for immediate application
- Sharing insights and experiences from the workshop
- Understanding the connection between suffering and inner happiness (Ananda) and how to continue the practice
- Suggestions for continued exercises and tools for the journey ahead
- Where is happiness hidden? Using the metaphor of “The Sun and the Clouds”
Summary: Personal reflections from all sessions and an open discussion.
Session 6: Conclusion and Insights
Topic: Is ending suffering a matter of choice?
Details of Workshop
Sundays and Tuesdays ( can attend either)
Location
Dates: