STAGE 1: Suffering Is Personal And Unbearable

In the face of adversity, I feel that I’m a victim, perhaps a unique one. “Why is this happening to me?” I can’t bear it.

STAGE 2: Suffering Is Personal And Is Regarded As A Challenge

In the face of adversity, I take it as a challenge–one to be overcome *or* endured. “I can persevere; I’ll fight my way through it.” Or: “I can, due to strength, wait until this storm has passed.”

STAGE 3: Suffering Is An Error Message Pointing To Self-understanding

When presented with what’s ordinarily termed “adversity,” I no longer see it *as* adversity. It’s showing me something about “where I’m stuck.” I realize that it’s an “error message” that’s urging me to find out who I am. 

STAGE 4: Suffering Does Not Exist And Never Has

I know, through deep experiential understanding, that adversity doesn’t exist. The one who used to feel that she experienced adversity has dissolved, and what remains, what always has been, is the sweet clarity of my being.