5. You can learn to focus on the whole of life rather than the symptoms of your physical condition.

If we watch our mind and emotions, we’ll see that what makes us afraid and ineffective is not our physical condition or our emo­tions themselves, but the commentary that our inner critic (the part of our mind that always tells us what you should or ought to be doing) adds to the situation. Most suffering is caused not by the situation, but by resis­tance to what is happening and the over-focus on the symptoms.  Regardless of what change is occurring, we can focus on the whole of life and love more deeply than ever. Regardless of your situation, level of pain, or worries, consider making this statement: I am committed to saying calmly, no matter what my physical situation, “Thank you for today and the opportunity to love more deeply.” If you find yourself suffering at all, remember this: When we focus less on our own symptoms and con­dition and surrender to the act of selflessly giving to another being, our suffering is greatly reduced and replaced by a sense of peace of mind.