Taken at surface-value, I don’t like the idea that “desensitization” is good, since it seems to argue that pain is inherently bad rather than a useful signal, but this is wrong, like you’re saying. I encounter it quite often when reading about psychology, and it’s mostly used to argue that sensitivity is bad in itself.
Of course, things which do not damage the body should not cause pain signals. But if reality causes pain to somebody, it’s likely because their internal model of the world is wrong, and because they identify with wrong beliefs. The ego will protect itself against modification, it really thinks we’re in danger in these situations. It’s likely an old defense mechanism from when ostracization was actually lethal.
Now, it’s as you say. All discomfort is a sign that one should work on themselves, and that this process can be highly rewarding and solve internal conflicts and contradictions. We are already living reality, so the truth can’t possibly kill us. But these false beliefs may die in our place, and that’s often a painful process. But it’s less painful in the long run than living those false beliefs and getting scared every time they’re threatened, so I think the superior choice is facing reality.
It’s a bit sad that “suffering” has been misunderstood like this, and treated like a problem in itself, rather than the symptom of a problem that it actually is. Especially since the truth is so nice and positive compared to this gloomy understanding.
Taken at surface-value, I don’t like the idea that “desensitization” is good, since it seems to argue that pain is inherently bad rather than a useful signal, but this is wrong, like you’re saying. I encounter it quite often when reading about psychology, and it’s mostly used to argue that sensitivity is bad in itself.
Of course, things which do not damage the body should not cause pain signals. But if reality causes pain to somebody, it’s likely because their internal model of the world is wrong, and because they identify with wrong beliefs. The ego will protect itself against modification, it really thinks we’re in danger in these situations. It’s likely an old defense mechanism from when ostracization was actually lethal.
Now, it’s as you say. All discomfort is a sign that one should work on themselves, and that this process can be highly rewarding and solve internal conflicts and contradictions. We are already living reality, so the truth can’t possibly kill us. But these false beliefs may die in our place, and that’s often a painful process. But it’s less painful in the long run than living those false beliefs and getting scared every time they’re threatened, so I think the superior choice is facing reality.
It’s a bit sad that “suffering” has been misunderstood like this, and treated like a problem in itself, rather than the symptom of a problem that it actually is. Especially since the truth is so nice and positive compared to this gloomy understanding.