Many people I know right now are suffering. I am not sure why this particular year has hit my friends and family so hard, but it has indeed. Perhaps it is because modern living, with all its complexities, can be so dreadful. The word “henpecked” comes to mind.
Over here in my small world, my chimney is leaking, corroding my ceiling and walls, but it is a snowy winter here in Northeast Ohio, so no one can fix it right now. Things like this small un-raveling of my century home, the daily arrival of mail and tax information, or even the drive to school through heavy snow can push me into a strange darkness.
When I am depressed by simple or large things, I begin to generalize my suffering, i.e.: “Things are always wrong with this house. I will never be able to keep up with life. I don’t know why I bother when I am so bad at daily living. I am not only bad at X but also Y and Z. I might contribute more to the world by leaving early.”
In these moments, I believe all humans cling to similar hopes whether religious or not. I don’t know many Christians, as an example, who look to the sky when the chimney liner sags believing an anthropomorphous Lord will vending machine a moisture resistant furnace vent.
It is about stopping, breathing, and remembering how we each bring value to the world. We are not just here to fix chimneys. We are not here to be productive by any measure. We are all here, I believe, to love and be loved. To make earth a better place for our families and communities. We will suffer in small and large ways, but we all do it, together. And this collective consciousness, and its potential to collectively reduce suffering, should be reason enough for most to carry on.