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PsycHacks

Episode 466: A horse in the rain (how to pass through suffering)

Sep 23, 2024
Explore the nature of suffering and how not all of it is unnecessary. Discover the lesson from a horse in the rain, emphasizing acceptance over despair. Learn about the importance of radical acceptance and patience during tough times. The metaphor of bison facing storms illustrates how confronting challenges directly can reduce suffering. By strategically surrendering to the present discomfort, we open ourselves to future opportunities for change.
09:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Radical acceptance, exemplified by a horse in the rain, teaches us to endure necessary suffering without escalating our internal conflict.
  • Facing adversity directly, like American bison entering storms, can lead to managing our suffering more effectively rather than resisting it.

Deep dives

The Lesson of the Horse in the Rain

The concept of a horse in the rain serves as a metaphor for addressing unavoidable human suffering. When faced with such suffering, the appropriate response is often to accept the situation rather than futilely attempting to escape it or making it worse mentally. For example, instead of lamenting the discomfort of being wet, the horse simply stands in the rain, embodying a form of radical acceptance. This approach encourages individuals to avoid escalating their suffering through unnecessary reactions, illustrating that patience is key when enduring hardships.

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