All human beings face suffering and pain in their lives. Some of us are better at coping with our disappointments than others. And for many of us time is the only healer. And in some cases, if time does not heal — the pain lingers.
Some transform their pain and suffering into works of art. Others remain trapped in an endless cycle of sorrow and disappointment. As creative leaders, we must find ways to mold our suffering into creative works that inspire others. Pain can be a source of great beauty and hope. Suffering can give birth to joy and happiness.
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Kahlil Gibran
While people often dream of a world without disappointment and suffering, pain inspires action and change. Some of the world's greatest creative leaders have used their pain and suffering to change their lives and the world.
If we knew more about the pain and suffering of others, maybe we would be kinder and gentler in our interactions. We often are so caught up in our pain that we fail to see the suffering of others. By embracing the suffering of others, we can transform our pain for the good of human beings. Reach out today and hug someone who is suffering.
“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Sometimes we become so lost in the rain of pain and suffering that we fail to see the rainbow of greatness within our souls. A perfect world does not exist despite how much our hearts wish that it did. Humans often wallow in their pain and suffering. We remember the slights and hurts years after they occur. We repeat the same bad decisions expecting different results.
Pain and suffering are a part of the natural order. Violence and disruption happen every day in nature. The civilized world often pretends that the natural world does not exist. We hide in our buildings believing we are safe from the elements and we are shocked when a volcano erupts spilling lava over the land or an earthquake opens up and swallows people and buildings. Thousands die every year as a result of natural disasters creating more pain and suffering for humans.
Yet within each of us is something greater than the pain and suffering we experience. If we allow it, the rain of pain and suffering can nourish and water the seeds of greatness. The pain and suffering can help us grow emotionally and spiritually. If we learn to harness the pain and suffering, we will be able to transform it into creative works of art. We can find that pot of acceptance at the end of the rainbow.
How To Nourish the Seeds of Greatness
Choose to let go of the slights and pain that others have caused you.
Choose to forgive those who have harmed you.
Believe that you have been given artistic talents to share with the world.
Trust that you can transform the pain into creative work.
Believe that you are destined for greatness.
I enjoyed reading this, Harley. You make some good points. Pain and suffering can inspire great art, as can great joy. Foregiveness and acceptance play huge rolls in overcoming pain and suffering. As you note, we artists can turn our pain into art that speaks to others about our suffering. Perhaps in doing so we help them to understand us and the human condition better. Whether it does or not, the work helps us in cathartic ways to deal whatever it is that troubles us.
If others hurt or harm us, we have to work at letting go of the pain; otherwise, we suffer longer than necessary. Art can help us do that. Express it and let it go. I've never been in a natural disaster, but my heart goes out to those who have lost everything, even loved ones in such calamities and war. Having friends to hug us close helps immensely.