9 Ways to Reduce Suffering.
Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can. Princess Diana.
There is, and always will be suffering in the world around us; whether witnessed as a graphic media portrayal of conditions in a remote land, or before our eyes in our own region, suffering is here with us and seemingly defies the best of intentions to eradicate it.
Such is the ubiquitous nature of human suffering that the task of addressing it appears to many as all too hard, insurmountable even; or is it just too inconvenient?
It is painfully true that in the gargantuan task of relieving global suffering no-one can do everything, no-one can solve all of the worlds problems; but as humans we can all, individually, do something. Here are 9 keys to making a difference:
1. Awareness
Spatial, situational awareness; open our eyes to see, and our minds to act
Busyness, the pressures and pace of life mean that for many the existence of and severity of human suffering gets lost in the maelstrom of modern living. Key number one is to open our eyes and witness the extent of this issue; no problem, anywhere, can be properly addressed unless we open our eyes to, and acknowledge its existence. Secondly, we must open our minds to act, to purposefully seek out solutions & resources.
2. Priorities 
Get our priorities right; the difference between what we want to do, and what has to be done.
Any person, whomever and wherever, can make a difference if we get our priorities aligned. Solving global suffering is not a problem somewhere else and is not someone else’s problem; it’s our problem and its here, now. Solutions and improvements will require each of us to focus, personally, and possibly place what has to be done above what we want to do.
3. Willingness
Employ a spirit, a heart of willingness
The degree to which we are effective in relieving global suffering will depend more on our heart, our willingness to act than any other thing. Unless we, individually, want to see progress and lives improved, want to make a difference, then little will be accomplished.
4. Readiness
Use what is in our hands
Just as solutions are dependent on our personal commitment, so the tools and assets necessary to bring about change are likely to be in our hands. if we wait until we have the time, until we have the money, until all our ducks line up, then we will never cease waiting and never see improvement. All of us have in our possession some time to commit and something we can use, to deliver change.
5. Commitment
Be prepared to get our hands dirty
Realistically, great change requires great effort collectively and a willingness to get involved personally. Progress will often depend on our preparedness to get our hands dirty in the process; to do some of the tough, possibly dirty and probably thankless tasks involved. Inevitably the degree of success we achieve will align with the degree of commitment we have, and the degree to which we will do the hard yards when necessary.
6. Tolerance
Be willing to be inconvenienced
Whilst global suffering may manifest itself somewhere else and as someone else’s problem, the solution is really our problem. Solutions rarely come without a willingness to be inconvenienced; to be put out; to have our program and routine disrupted; to place the welfare of others before our own. Comfortable: no. Necessary: yes.
7. Whatever it takes
Be willing to take some risks
Just as great strides in progress scientifically, commercially and politically are always accompanied by risk, so is the task of alleviating global suffering. Should we choose to embrace this cause there will be risks; financially, because it will cost money; socially, because we will need to direct time and energy away from our networks and friends; and even reputationally because we may need to move in different circles and perhaps work, hands on, in places we would not normally wish to do so.
8. Acceptance
Accept loss of comfort
Whether we choose to engage practically, by physically going and assisting with aid, financially by giving our resources or politically by using our influence we should expect to lose some of the comforts of life. Commitment may entail going without, changing our routine or refocusing our diaries in order to make a difference.
9. Persistence
Don’t accept, or offer, excuses
Regardless of who or where we are, whatever our station in life, we should never accept, nor proffer excuses for doing nothing. For whilst frequently those we seek to assist genuinely cannot help themselves or make choices, we can. We can do something. We can determine to be the change that is required. We can provide the support or aid that determines the life progress, even the life itself of those in need.
Great leaders like Princess Diana and Mother Theresa always sought to be the change; they were always vigilant, alert, ever looking out for opportunities to help others. They never resorted to excuse, claiming that it was not their responsibility.
It was, theirs. And it is, ours.
Author Neil Findlay
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