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01.03.2025

A few thoughts on dealing with suffering in the world

The philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer is considered a pessimistic thinker. He describes life and the world as suffering, and his view of humankind is not particularly optimistic either. According to Schopenhauer, humans are by nature selfish, envious, malicious and capable of cruelty. And if we look at what is happening in the world, we can somewhat agree with Schopenhauer, no?
 
Numerous natural disasters, terrorist attacks, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are just a few examples of contemporary events in the world that are causing huge suffering. Every day, the media inform us about how many people have lost their lives or their existences as a result of senseless wars, attacks and catastrophes. We also see how right-wing extremist positions are spreading and hatred and the marginalisation of people and minorities are constantly on the rise, while the most powerful people in the world are either radically leading these movements or are overwhelmed and questioning these developments. 
 
But how should we deal with these realities? What can or should we do?
 
We have the great privilege of being so well off here and now. Even if we are always complaining about rising prices, we are generally sitting in a warm home, own one car per household on average and enjoy the one or other holiday. Our well-being is important to us and we want to benefit as much as possible from life. But isn't that selfish and ignorant? What would be the alternative? Renounce everything and be compassionate? Actively help to reduce suffering in the world? But where do we start? And what can we change and achieve as individuals?
 
Unfortunately, I don't have the perfect answer, but simply looking at the world and people with a pessimistic view and dwelling on suffering cannot be the solution either. It is not in our power to eliminate the major geopolitical conflicts and wars. Nor can we essentially eradicate evil and cruelty. We should therefore consider ourselves even more blessed and recognise and enjoy the beautiful moments in life. However, this does not mean ignoring all the suffering that surrounds us, living at the expense of others and being indifferent to our world around us. We can certainly enjoy our lives and still deal with what is happening in the world and play our part actively in everyday life. By treating our environment with respect and awareness, by leaving no space for hate movements and the marginalisation of people and by getting involved exactly where we can make a good difference. Even if these are ‘only’ more or less small gestures, they can already lead to beautiful moments, leave a significant mark and have a big impact.
 
Dr. phil. Pascale Worré, Echternach


The calendar year 2024 is over - time to look back on the passing year and make some resolutions for 2025. It's time to be ‘contemplative’. By contemplative, I not only mean tranquility, but first and foremost reflection and becoming conscious. 
 
With its traditions and customs, the Christmas season stands for silence, mindfulness and love. Old things are released so that new things can emerge - a new start. And this is how resolutions and wishes are formulated for the coming year.
 
Even though - or rather because - I attribute great value to reflecting on oneself, one's life and life itself, this ‘occasional contemplation’ makes me frown a bit. Aside from its very commercial and consume-orientated nature, the Christmas period is certainly an important time to simply enjoy the present and take the time for loved ones and oneself. But shouldn't all this be part of our everyday lives and not just arise from a specific date in the calendar?
 
A more conscious and stress-free lifestyle, a healthier diet, doing more sport, having time for yourself, your family and friends - classic resolutions and wishes that are forgotten after a few weeks. Why is it so difficult to realise these good intentions in everyday life? 
 
The fulfilment of our resolutions challenges us in many ways and repeatedly forces us to delve into uncomfortable places in ourselves. Reflecting on the self and one's own life requires honesty and courage, as it can reveal weaknesses and wounds that we may not want to recognise. It then becomes easier to close the eyes and carry on as before.
 
Changing something also means letting go of something. And often the first step is a step into the unknown or involves a great deal of effort. Getting rid of old ways of thinking and acting is regular hard work on oneself, and this requires a lot of motivation, discipline and energy. But where do you repeatedly take all this from? Especially in an everyday life with countless responsibilities, expectations and temptations? 
Suddenly sport, a meditation course or time with family and friends become just another ‘to-do’ item to be ticked off. And finally, time for yourself consists of falling into bed exhausted. 
 
This may sound very pessimistic and exaggerated, but it is certainly a reality for many people in our society. And maybe next year's resolution should be to see through this spiral in order to finally break it.  ‘I want to!’ instead of ‘I should‘ and ‘I still have to‘ would already be an important big step. If this motivation comes from the inside and from the bottom of the heart, then the realisation will certainly succeed. 
 
With this in mind: have a contemplative year 2025!
 
Dr. phil. Pascale Worré, Echternach