In Episode 71 of The Struggle, we dive into one of the most powerful ideas I’ve ever come across — a 13-word quote by Zen teacher Charlotte Joko Beck:“What makes it unbearable is your mistaken belief that it can be cured.”This single line might explain why you feel unhappy, unsatisfied, or constantly searching for meaning. In Buddhism, suffering isn’t something to escape — it’s something to see clearly.In this episode, we explore:• why we suffer more in our minds than in reality• the Zen story of the student under the cold waterfall• why trying to “cure” life makes life worse• the illusion that the future will save us• how material possessions and achievements trap us• why accepting suffering is the beginning of freedom• how focus creates your emotional reality• why the present becomes unbearable when we worship the futureLife isn’t a problem to be fixed, and there is no magic cure coming later. But accepting that truth is where peace actually begins.If episodes like this help you think differently about your life, subscribe. This journey is only just beginning.References1. Charlotte Joko BeckBeck, C. J. (1990). Everyday Zen: Love and Work. HarperCollins.— Source of the quote: “What makes it unbearable is your mistaken belief that it can be cured.”(This is the most accurate traceable source of her teachings.)2. Buddhism – Foundational Teachings on Suffering (Dukkha)Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha Taught. Grove Press.— Overview of the Four Noble Truths and the nature of suffering.Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices. Cambridge University Press.— Scholarly explanation of suffering, attachment, and perception.3. Zen Buddhism – Mindfulness, Perception, and Direct ExperienceKapleau, P. (1980). The Three Pillars of Zen. Anchor Books.— Discusses direct awareness, discomfort, and perception.Shunryu Suzuki (1970). Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Weatherhill.— Explores non-judgment, direct experience, and acceptance.4. Zen Teaching Story (Student Under the Cold Waterfall)This story is a widely taught Zen parable.A commonly cited retelling is in:Osho (2001). Zen: Its History and Teachings and Impact on Humanity. Watkins Publishing.— Contains multiple Zen training stories, including endurance teachings similar to the waterfall anecdote.This is a classic Zen teaching story passed down through various teachers and retold in multiple sources.5. Einstein Quote (Insanity Definition)Although widely attributed to Albert Einstein, the origin is disputed.The earliest documented appearance is:Narcotics Anonymous (1981). Narcotics Anonymous (1st ed.).— The line appears here, not in Einstein’s writings.6. Tony Robbins Exercise (Focus On Color Prompt)Robbins, T. (1991). Awaken the Giant Within. Free Press.— Robbins uses variations of the “look for brown, now recall gold” focus/perception exercise in his seminars and books.7. Hedonic Adaptation / The “New Car” Emptiness ProblemBrickman, P., & Campbell, D. T. (1971). Hedonic Relativism and Planning the Good Society.— Foundational research on why achievements and purchases don’t produce lasting happiness.Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness. Penguin.— Modern evidence for why external accomplishments don’t cure dissatisfaction.⸻Disclaimer:This episode draws on concepts from Zen Buddhism, modern psychology, and philosophical sources. All quotes are credited to their original authors, and traditional Zen stories are referenced as commonly retold teachings rather than original content. The interpretations and explanations in this episode are my own.📝SponsorSign up for The Struggle Newsletter here - https://gregorthomson.com📺 Watch The StruggleYouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD📱 Get In TouchInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1Email - [email protected]

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