I need you to feel this. I need you to understand this.
Suffering exists in the world. It exists because I suffer. It exists because you suffer. It exists because others suffer.
We are all symbols of suffering. We are guilt, grief, and selfishness. We are hunger, fear, and rejection. The suffering we have does not compare to the suffering others have. Food and electricity is readily available. Guilt comes from our feelings of selfishness. We could easily turn our head away from such feelings, but we do not because we care about others. We empathize.
Many of us strive to relieve suffering. Whether its our own suffering or others’ suffering, we fail most of the time. We are distracted by life. Bills must be paid. Work must be done. We have to recover from our excesses. We have to escape our pain. Life happens. Our ability to help others is hampered. This causes more pain.
I am overcome with suffering. This affects my ability to help others. I am a failure because I want to help others. I am unable to complete this goal. I suffer from my failure. I suffer because others suffer more greatly than me. Guilt washes over me. Despair envelops my mind.
I cannot free myself from the suffering of others. I do not want to, but I want the strength to carry on. I want to be able to help others.
Here I am. A symbol of you, the world, and others. Broken. In pain. Altruistic. Selfish. Pulled in every direction. Striving. Failing.
I am overcome with suffering. I am the world and its burdens. You are me. We are in this together.
I am overcome.
