| In Scott Peck's (1936-2005) remarkable book; "The | | | | pain offset by personal growth. |
| Road Less Traveled," first published in 1978, he opens | | | | There's more, Peck goes on to say that the answer |
| with the now famous line; "Life is difficult." He then | | | | to solving life's problems is the practice of discipline. |
| goes on to say; "this is a great truth because once we | | | | When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, |
| truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly | | | | we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer |
| know that life is difficult --- once we truly understand | | | | and also how to grow. |
| and accept it --- then life is no longer difficult. Because | | | | The practice of discipline requires a number of tools or |
| once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no | | | | techniques for what he calls suffering: delaying |
| longer matters." | | | | gratification (scheduling the pain first in order to |
| Life it seems is an endless series of problems that | | | | enhance the pleasurable feeling later), acceptance of |
| have to be solved and Peck goes on to say that | | | | responsibility (owning the problem), dedication to the |
| "what makes life difficult is that the process of | | | | truth (seeing reality), and balancing (the flexibility to |
| confronting and solving these problems is a painful | | | | maintain balance between your emotional, physical, |
| one." We all know only too well some of the emotions | | | | intellectual and spiritual self). |
| we feel when attempting to solve problems, feelings | | | | A critically important point in all of this discussion is that |
| such as; anger, frustration, anxiety, sadness, fear, grief | | | | if one attempts to avoid the pain and emotional |
| and regret. | | | | suffering associated with life's problems this becomes |
| There is a double edge to solving problems. It is Scott | | | | the primary basis for mental illness. I have to admit to |
| Peck's contention that the process of meeting and | | | | occasionally avoiding, at least for a little while, some of |
| solving problems is in fact how we derive meaning in | | | | my life's problems and in that avoidance behaviour |
| our lives. We all know from experience that one often | | | | experience what is affectionately called neurosis. All of |
| grows only when faced with challenges that must be | | | | us at times, are a little bit neurotic. Carl Jung, famed |
| overcome. It is in the process of solving problems that | | | | Swiss psychologist stated that; "neurosis is always a |
| we find our courage and wisdom and in fact create | | | | substitute for legitimate suffering." Just be careful not |
| our courage and wisdom and in so doing grow | | | | to be labeled something else because you are not |
| emotionally and spiritually. That then is the double edge, | | | | prepared to suffer! |