Use Work ‘I’s to Transform Suffering

Use Work ‘I’s to Transform Suffering

We wasters of sorrows! How we stare away into sad endurance beyond them, trying to foresee their end! – Rainer Maria Rilke

In this passage, the Bohemian poet, Rilke, advises to use the raw material of suffering for transformation. We rarely spend a day without some type of suffering, which is usually then frittered away. Rilke is referring to us; we are his wasters of sorrows. The transformation of suffering, whether imaginary or real suffering, is the bread and butter of self-work.

The path to presence is through the transformation of suffering. – The Teacher

How do I waste my sorrows? When I encounter personal friction, experience my utter mechanicalness, or receive bad news about someone I care about, I am confronted with a moment of suffering. It can take many forms corresponding to our four lower centers or functions: emotional, physical, or intellectual suffering.

This is a small personal crossroads for my Work. Do I summon an attitude or Work 'I' that has the mass to withstand the gravity of my lower centers, pulling me downward? The common sound of that downward spiral is a “woe is me.” It is quite typical to feel down, to experience self-pity or self-deprecation. It seems justified to our many ‘I’s because I might have even had some significant part in it. I may have brought it on myself!

We choose transformation into presence over self-pity. – The Teacher

I have often struggled to use the suffering in my life in a way that is transformative rather than self-pity. In this case, Work ‘I’s are attitudes, concepts, or constructs that I can use at the right moment to address my struggle with friction or suffering. I need to choose one that meets the challenge of the moment.

In the School, the Teacher suggests using a single syllable Work 'I', such as “Use,” to lift the veil of self-pity. "Now" is another useful Work 'I.' These Work ‘I’s are my pathways to self-remembering.

A friend once told me that the Work is about addressing the weakness of the moment. He meant that not all Work ‘I’s are appropriate for a given moment. Some Work ‘I’s are geared towards a specific mechanical weakness, like a lock and key. With practice and guidance, we find the right keys.

There is no more than a syllable between doubt and certainty. – Omar Khayyam

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Kalki Incarnation of Vishnu, Rani Ki Yav Stepwell, Paret, India