Inevitable Quote by Rick Hanson
““pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Buddha’s Brain, 2009
Pain is unavoidable, but we can choose whether to let it become suffering by our mental response.
In simple terms: Pain happens; suffering is a choice.
Key Takeaway
Choose mindful acceptance over suffering.
Themes
mindfulness
psychology
resilience
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- stress management
- therapy
- daily challenges
- painful events
Key Concepts
cognitive reframing
acceptance
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate pain from suffering?
- What practices help you let go of suffering?
A Different Perspective
Suffering can be inevitable despite effort.
![“Pain is inevitable; lives come with pain. Suffering is not inevitable. If suffering is what happens when we struggle with our experience because of our inability to accept it, then suffering is an optional extra [p. 19].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/618/sylvia-boorstein-7241_pain_pain-is-inevitable-lives-come-with-pain_2405745.jpg)
![“[I]f you can be with the pleasant without chasing after it, with the unpleasant without resisting it, and with the neutral without ignoring it - [...] that is an incredible [...] freedom.” quote by Rick Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/519/rick-hanson-10793_freedom_i-f-you-can-be-with-the-pleasant-without_67835.jpg)
![“Letting go of ill will does not mean passivity, silence, or allowing yourself or others to be harmed. [...] There is plenty of room for speaking truth to power and effective action without succumbing to ill will. [...] In fact, with a clear mind and peaceful heart, your actions are likely to be…” quote by Rick Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/701/rick-hanson-10793_neuroscience_letting-go-of-ill-will-does-not-mean-pas_496486.jpg)
![“Even when lightning flashes inside them [clouds], we say they are only clouds and turn our attention to the next meal, next pain, next breath, the next page. This is how we go on.” quote by Sidney Sheldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ac/sidney-sheldon-7520_carry-on_even-when-lightning-flashes-inside-them_6003.jpg)
