Estimated reading time: 2 min.

Dear reader, 

It is with great honor and joy that I welcome you to this mini-series devoted to learning the principles of cultivating serenity.

Over the next few weeks, you will receive one lesson every three days, each elaborating on an important principle. These principles, if understood and embraced, will help guide you one step further on the path to Serenity.

What is the difference between Words of Art and Guiding Words?

First, let us define the word Art.

“Art is everything that is good and does not need an authorization, an explanation, or a justification to exist.”

And what do we mean by good?

“Good is anything that makes a person feel positive feelings in a sustainable and life-preserving way”.

Words of Art refers to the insights that Life has shared with me on my personal path to Serenity.

Guiding Words, on the other hand, is my imperfect and ongoing attempt to translate and organize some of those insights into principles that may offer guidance to those ready to let go of suffering and embrace Serenity.

This introduction will be presented in three parts—this being Part 1—to define key concepts that will be used throughout these lessons.

Let us begin with difference between pain and suffering.

In a journal article titled: Pain and Suffering, published in the American National Library of Medicine, Siler, PhD, RN “et al.” explains:      

“The words pain and suffering are often used interchangeably. […] However, there are distinctions. Pain is a physical sensation or signal indicating an event within the body. Suffering is the interpretation of that event and involves thoughts, beliefs, or judgments and reflects the human experience of pain.”

 As summarized by the Dalai Lama, “pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

The path to Serenity is about cultivating the art of absorbing, diffusing and dissipating suffering.

“Serenity, therefore, is the ultimate antidote to suffering.” – WoA.

This concludes Part 1 of the introduction to Guiding Words: A Mini-Playbook to Serenity. In the next part, we will define Serenity through the lens of Words of Art and further clarify the purpose of Guiding Words.

See you in three days and until then, may Serenity be upon you.

Didi

P.S. English is not my native language, so please pardon any mistakes. Feel free to share suggestions or corrections to make this reading experience more enjoyable. I will do my best to honor the rules of this global language I am borrowing to share my humble findings on the path to Serenity.