It’s been a long time since  I sensed so much fear in the air and around me.  I knew I had to pause and get settled. There was so much hysteria and dishonesty and anger and anxiety. No one was prepared because no one prepared us. This writing below has helped me to deal with fear; getting in touch with suffering rather than running from it has helped me. I’m sharing it with you in this time of great anxiety in the hopes it might be helpful.

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“The tendency to run away from suffering is there in every one of us. We’ll avoid suffering by seeking pleasure (or jogging and gyms). But something else is needed. It strungs our growth and our happiness. Happiness isn’t possible without understanding, compassion, and love. And love is impossible if we don’t understand our suffering and the other person’s suffering.

Getting in touch with suffering will help us cultivate compassion and love. Without understanding and love, we can’t be happy or make other people happy. We all have the seeds of compassion, forgiveness, joy, and nonfear. If we’re constantly trying to avoid suffering, these seeds cannot grow.”

• Thich Nhat Hanh

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I recently found more truth, support, and guidance in the Buddhist faith and wisdom than in other religions in the past few years. Judaism and Catholicism have done excellent good and considerable harm in the world. Both religions are too judgmental and vengeful for me. I can’t be frightened into peace of mind.

They both preach against hate but can often be hateful. Buddhism preaches self-awareness and personal and individual search. They harm and threaten no one. As you can see, I am drawn to the writings of the late Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh. This is a viable time to read and share his teachings.