Feeling terrible Quote by Sylvia Boorstein
![“Right Understanding means feeling terrible, remembering pain is finite, and taking some solace from that remembering. And, when things are pleasant, even splendidly pleasant, remembering impermanence doesn't diminish the experience--it enhances it [p. 33]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/adf/sylvia-boorstein-7241_feeling-terrible_right-understanding-means-feeling-terrib_876750.jpg)
““Right Understanding means feeling terrible, remembering pain is finite, and taking some solace from that remembering. And, when things are pleasant, even splendidly pleasant, remembering impermanence doesn't diminish the experience--it enhances it [p. 33]””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Happiness, Sylvia Boorstein, 2008
Understanding that pain is temporary and pleasure is impermanent helps us appreciate both without clinging.
In simple terms: Pain ends, pleasure passes; both are valuable.
Key Takeaway
Embrace each moment, knowing it will change.
Themes
impermanence
mindfulness
acceptance
balance
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grieving loss
- celebrating joy
- daily meditation
Key Concepts
non‑attachment
emotional resilience
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance acceptance with change?
- What practices help you notice impermanence?
A Different Perspective
The focus on acceptance may overlook the need for action to improve circumstances.
![“... every single act we do has the potential of causing pain, and every single thing we do has consequences that echo way beyond what we can imagine. It doesn't mean we shouldn't act. It means we should act carefully. Everything matters [p. 41].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ab/sylvia-boorstein-7241_quote_every-single-act-we-do-has-the-potential_75621.jpg)
![“... freedom of choice is possible. Life is going to unfold however it does: pleasant or unpleasant, disappointing or thrilling, expected or unexpected, all of the above! What a relief it would be to know that whatever wave comes along, we can ride it out with grace [p. 35].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/340/sylvia-boorstein-7241_choice_freedom-of-choice-is-possible-life-is-go_122468.jpg)
![“I love the phrase 'I am not afraid!' Maybe it's the best phrase we can say, other than 'I have everything I need.' Maybe they are the same. [p. 14]” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f28/sylvia-boorstein-7241_fear_i-love-the-phrase-i-am-not-afraid-maybe_356864.jpg)
![“... life is difficult and painful, just by its very nature, not because we're doing it wrong [pp. 17-18].” quote by Sylvia Boorstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2a/sylvia-boorstein-7241_life_life-is-difficult-and-painful-just-by-it_369102.jpg)
