---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We increase our suffering through our…"
description: "\"“We increase our suffering through our attempts to avoid it”\" — Miriam Greenspan"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c82/miriam-greenspan-94957_attempts_we-increase-our-suffering-through-our-at_3179360.jpg"
---

#  We increase our suffering through our attempts to avoid it

![“We increase our suffering through our attempts to avoid it” quote by Miriam Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c82/miriam-greenspan-94957_attempts_we-increase-our-suffering-through-our-at_3179360.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c82/miriam-greenspan-94957_attempts_we-increase-our-suffering-through-our-at_3179360.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c82/miriam-greenspan-94957_attempts_we-increase-our-suffering-through-our-at_3179360.jpg)

> ““We increase our suffering through our attempts to avoid it””

[Miriam Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miriam-greenspan/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Avoiding pain often intensifies suffering, as attempts to escape discomfort can create more distress.

**In simple terms:** Avoiding pain can increase suffering.

Key Takeaway

Face discomfort directly.

Themes

suffering avoidance psychological paradox mindfulness self‑compassion

Mood

thoughtful calming insightful

Type

Attempts:1 Suffering:1 Increase Suffering:1 Suffering Attempts:0 Attempts Avoid:0

When to use this quote

- mental health therapy
- stress management
- addiction recovery
- personal development

Key Concepts

cognitivebehavioral mindfulness philosophy of suffering

Questions to Reflect On

- What pain are you avoiding?
- How can you approach it safely?

A Different Perspective

Avoidance may be a coping mechanism for deeper issues.

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[Attempts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attempts/) [Attempts Avoid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attempts-avoid-5818685/) [Increase Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/increase-suffering-5458654/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) [Suffering Attempts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering-attempts-5818684/)

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## More by Miriam Greenspan

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