PhD in Suffering

We are now living in a massively disconnected society lacking a social bond. We are too busy checking our ‘life suckers’ in our hands, popping around on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Living in reality is more challenging than ever; we are consumed with being consumers and getting our dopamine hits. Most of the population over 21 consumes alcohol, cannabis, or hard drugs. We are living in what is being called the ‘Silent Depression,’ and I think that applies to people psychologically and financially. We are on more psychiatric medication than ever, and mental illness is at an all-time high. Here in the U.S., we have a massive homeless problem fueled by mental health issues and drugs. Social issues are bursting at the seams. Plus, there is a constant fear of war breaking out that we pretend isn’t there. Things just aren’t right; it’s all a little off.

Now more than ever, we need community: go to local yoga studios to practice with your favorite teachers and bond with fellow students. There is a quote by Chris MaCandless that states, “Happiness [is] only real when shared.” Sitting isolated at your house is no way to live a life. And, to be honest, that’s been my life for the past 11 years after getting out of the military. Due to mental health issues that continue to arise, I struggle with consistency. I have good periods that last a season and change. Nothing is constant. The good periods I notice are spent in the company of others, hence the importance of the McCandless quote. My suggestion is to get off your phone and live. That’s the only solution: action. Continue to move. Stopping kills the energy within. Please take this to heart; I have my PhD in suffering, as many of us do.