Is There a Purpose to Suffering? Part 4

      Last week we looking at how painful situations can be an impetus to growth and grace.  But is that the only purpose of suffering?

     Lately, I've been toying with the idea that learning and growth in our suffering are not for us alone.  Let me explain.

     Not doubt you have heard that "we are all one," or "we are all in this together."  On a metaphysical level, I believe that we are indeed all one, just are each individual drop is part of the ocean.  We are all parts of Life.  Individuality is just an illusion.

     So if I go through a period of profound suffering, I may learn some important lessons, such as gratitude or forgiveness or self-discipline or tenacity.  But those lessons, I believe, are not for myself alone.

     If we are all one, then the lessons I learned become part of all of us.  My newly-learned tenacity helps all of us by adding that much more strength and resolve to tackle the problems that face humanity.  Your newly-learned compassion helps us to look at each other with greater understanding and kindness.  Another person's gratitude helps us all to be aware of the beauty of life.

     So, suffering does have a purpose.  And it's for all of us to learn from it, because its purpose is for all of us.