William Whitecloud

It's true that pain is inherent and suffering is optional. Our nature's are such that we create drama to anchor ourselves in this 3 dimensional world, but we transcend that dynamic by creating what we love, not by removing ourselves from the passion of life.

I read that in the First World War, when Gurdjieff and his community were trapped in a town under siege by multiple competing armies, he rose above those circumstances by pursuing his greatest passion; he lead an archeological expedition in the hills outside town, which won the support of the warring factions, and saved the lives of those under his protection.

Not to compare myself to Gurdjieff, but when I was at one of the lowest moments of my life, undergoing radical, long term chemo therapy, I wrote The Magician's Way, which survived my suffering, bringing me great satisfaction and opening up amazing possibilities which continue to benefit me to this day.

To fulfill our potential we must create in spite of our dramas, not in the absence of them. If we're waiting for the right time, the right conditions, the conducive frame of mind, we can kiss our destinies good bye. Our transcendence lies in creating our hearts, not fixing our selves.

Empathy is knowing through oneness.