| Have you ever known someone (or does it describe | | | | the challenges you see other people suffering. Take |
| you?) who seems to believe that they suffer more | | | | your attention off yourself and pay attention to others, |
| than any others have ever suffered...to the point | | | | at least occasionally, and especially when you feel |
| where it becomes their identity? There is an element | | | | sorriest for yourself. |
| of, "My suffering has been greater than yours...or | | | | 3. Get out of the rut of negative thinking. Negative |
| anyone else's!" They actually seem to have an | | | | thinking is a guaranteed downward spiral into |
| aggressive attitude with their suffering, as if there is a | | | | depression. It's all a matter of self talk. Stop telling |
| suffering competition and they are the obvious winner. | | | | yourself "stories" about everything being bleak and |
| Perhaps it is part of the human condition to be | | | | black. Start telling yourself about all your good luck and |
| somewhat narcissistic with our suffering. Unfortunately, | | | | the wonderful things in your life. |
| what frequently happens when we are in the midst of | | | | 4. Consciously choose to control your feelings. Turn off |
| a "pity party" is that we totally discount the suffering of | | | | the news and turn on inspirational music or motivational |
| any other beings on the earth. | | | | tapes or CD's. Read positive and affirming books and |
| Think a bit about what could be the psychology behind | | | | magazines. Watch inspirational or educational and awe |
| wanting to win the "Suffering Competition". It could | | | | inspiring DVD's. |
| mean that you neither have nor feel compassion for | | | | 5. Take action. Assess your situation. Research and |
| others. It probably means that you need to triumph as | | | | explore which actions you could take to improve your |
| the "top of the heap" of suffering. It likely means that | | | | circumstances...then take action. |
| you discount the suffering of others and think only your | | | | 6. When all else fails, clean, clear and organize. Get rid |
| suffering counts. | | | | of everything that is junk in your life. Keep a notebook |
| If you are a person who is the King or Queen of | | | | nearby and jot down any ideas you get during clearing. |
| Suffering and want to give up your crown, what are | | | | Take things to your favorite charity, throw junk in the |
| some steps you can take? | | | | trash, and recycle what you can. All this old stuff |
| 1. Focus on gratitude. Start to be thankful for every | | | | "holds" stuck energy. This is one of the best ways to |
| good thing in your life. Be thankful if you're warm and | | | | start the energy flowing. |
| inside during terrible weather. Be thankful if the sky is | | | | 7. Initiate a spiritual practice. Begin to meditate. Pray |
| blue. Be thankful if you have soap to clean your dishes | | | | often. Think about the positive changes you want to |
| and clothing. Be thankful that you can eat when you | | | | bring to the world. Consider how you can uplift others. |
| are hungry. Be thankful that you can pray and | | | | If you want to give up your position as the King or |
| meditate and calm yourself. Be thankful if you have | | | | Queen of Suffering, it takes some conscious effort. |
| work and income. Be thankful when you have | | | | You CAN choose to lose the Suffering Competition. |
| transportation. Be thankful for your mate and your | | | | With concerted effort, you will no longer win, place or |
| family and friends. Be thankful for a warm bed at night. | | | | show where suffering is concerned. With Herculean |
| Show appreciation for all you have. | | | | effort, you could actually start living with joy. |
| 2. Start to notice and feel and show compassion for | | | | |