We need not become fixated upon our own suffering, whatever its origin. We offer it up, thus participating in the well-being of the universe. When we experience an illness or depression not as our own but as the universe's, we are one with all beings who experience this kind of suffering.

What is the real origin of my own anger? Is it the ego defending its territory, or is it something that has its source in the desire for the well-being of all?

Sometimes we must undergo hardships, breakups, and narcissistic wounds, which shatter the flattering image that we had of ourselves, in order to discover two truths: that we are not who we thought we were and that the loss of a cherished pleasure is not necessarily the loss of true happiness and well-being.