Now that you can think freely (actually, you always could, but now you finally realize you can because you’ve already suffered the ramifications of independent thinking), I would like to propose an experiment.

The more brutally honest you are about the sufferings you experience in your own life, the more you can appreciate living a joyful life within them.

Be honest: what really hurts in your life right now? Ask the tough questions. Get real. No one’s watching. This is just for you.

Now: what are the roots of this suffering? How are you living within this? What kind of perception would alleviate the weight of this suffering? What would it take to live happily within your struggles?