A friend of mine said to me not long ago, "Terry you are…
“A friend of mine said to me not long ago, "Terry you are married to sorrow." I looked at him and said, "No, I am not married to sorrow, I just choose not to look away." To not avert our eyes to suffering is to trust the power of presence. Joy emerges through suffering. Suffering is a component of joy. Whether we are sitting with a loved one dying or witnessing dolphins side-by-side watching the oil burning in the Gulf of Mexico, to be present with the world is to be alive. I think of Rilke once again, "Beauty is the beginning of terror." We can breathe our way toward courage.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Facing sorrow directly transforms pain into joy; presence is courageous and life‑affirming.
In simple terms: Face sorrow, find joy.
Key Takeaway
Be present, even in pain.
Themes
suffering
presence
joy
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- environmental activism
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does presence change suffering?
- What practices help stay present?
A Different Perspective
Facing pain can be overwhelming.