The Hot Coal

Why is it that if I grab a hot coal once, I never pick up another one?
Something in my brain links the feeling of pain to an action (series of actions). It is a mechanical thing.

So then why is it that if I think certain thoughts that cause me anxiety and suffering, I don't drop those?
Why don't I immediately see these thoughts and drop them like a hot coal?
I think there are all kinds of reasons why, but I am not so interested in that, I am interested in whether I can be free of suffering. So can I just drop them?

The answer I have found is that I can but I have to perceive reality clearly. I have to recognize the pattern as it is happening or as it begins to happen.


Something happens and I begin to think thoughts that conjure up hurt. The thoughts combine with the hurt (emotion) and begins to color my perception of reality. In essence, I cease to perceive reality as it is and I now perceive reality according to what my suffering says about reality. Take for instance, "They're mad at me. They are jerks. I'm no good." I found that if I live inside that reality, I withdraw, I close off, I become angry and aggressive. I suffer. If I am by myself, I can plunge deep into despair, if I am with another person, I can complain endlessly or I can argue and make them wrong and blame.

Now I can see that pattern. I have been through it enough times to know that the outcome is always some form of hurt.I have seen that the pattern winds up in my suffering which often spills over and hurts another. It is a vicious circle. Pain seeks more pain.

It is a massive cost. It is a hot coal. It is far worse than a hot coal.

So when the pattern begins, when my mind begins to pic up the first subtle (or not so subtle) hints of unhappy thinking, or hurt. I recognize it as imminent danger.

I am en route to destroy my harmony.
I am en route to cause more pain.
I am en route to lose touch with reality and listen to madness.

I have found that it is something that I absolutely cannot abide.