Sickness is often associated with discomfort, pain, and the fear of disruption in our lives. Nobody enjoys being sick. Coping with sickness can be challenging and it’s essential to acknowledge that it’s okay not to feel okay about it. The approach toward illness is not about asking, “Why me?” but rather, “How can I suffer less?”

The Weight of Severe Sickness: Reflecting on the challenging times brought by highly pathogenic COVID-19 strains, and the struggles of those battling severe diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, or strokes, we recognize the heavy burden sickness imposes and how it can strike out of the blue. It’s crucial to empathize with those affected and understand that feeling the weight of sickness is a natural response. In short, we do not have to feel ashamed about our negative emotions. It is a natural response.

Siddhartha’s Journey: Siddhartha’s encounter with sickness at 29 serves as a powerful example of courage and empathy. Many of us choose not to think about it and pretend that serious illness will never strike us. We choose to face the reality of life by escaping from it. But is that really the best approach?

Confronting the Reality of Sickness: Given the negative connotation associated with sickness, many of us prefer to avoid dealing with it altogether. However, the reality is that we cannot sidestep sickness—it is an inherent part of life. When we live in denial, we will be caught off-guard when reality strikes. Therefore, the first step in dealing with illness is acknowledging its inherent presence, facing it, and being familiar with it. That way, we are mentally prepared.

The Importance of Self-Care: To navigate through sickness and the associated fear and stress, self-care plays a pivotal role. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and being kind to our bodies and minds are crucial components of self-care. Acknowledging sickness as part of life encourages us to cherish our healthy moments and prevents us from taking our well-being for granted.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Maintaining a positive outlook acts as a sturdy umbrella in the storm of sickness. Research indicates that a positive attitude can serve as a source of strength and cause our body to be conducive to healing. Welcoming sickness with kindness and optimism can alleviate the burden of stress and contribute to a more resilient mindset. Therefore, the Buddhist approach toward illness is based on these objectives. Since our minds are the forerunners of our experiences, it becomes a realistic approach to start healing our mental anguish first.

Buddhist Meditations and Serenity: Buddhist meditations, far from being an escape from reality, guide individuals to discover a serene and balanced space within themselves. These meditations encourage acknowledgment that falling sick is an inherent aspect of the collective human journey. Embracing this calm acceptance serves as a means to alleviate the burden of stress and find peace amid challenges.

Conclusion: In essence, this chapter and its accompanying video highlight that sickness is indeed a challenging part of life, but it does not define us. Through courage, self-care, and a positive mindset, we can reshape our stories and discover strength in vulnerability. Perhaps, even enlightenment. Buddha’s wisdom encourages acceptance and kindness, reminding us that we are not alone in embracing the journey together.

May all be well and happy.