There is not enough emphasis put on the difference of pain and suffering.
In my experience of life as a pain patient and practice as a chronic pain physician I have noticed that hope plays an important role. If one has no hope or has given into the hopelessness, then even a simple condition can lead into significant suffering. However I have seen many patients with complex and difficult pain conditions who where not suffering as much because of being hopeful. To an observer it may seem curious that why would people who are living in the same society with similar conditions and access to the same services would have different levels of hope.
The key answer is in the power of positive thinking which can be strengthened by practice. Positive thinking improves hopefulness and leads into less suffering. We are all hopeful to suffer less in this life. We just need to practice more positive thinking.
