Why does comparing ourselves to others sometimes create suffering?
Comparing ourselves to others can sometimes be beneficial if it motivates us to make the healthy changes that we need to make. But sometimes, it keeps us stuck when we look at the things we still need to do or to be.
Comparison leads to suffering when we look to compare ourselves with an attitude of blame and a deficient sense of self. Sometimes this can lead to seeing ourselves as less than and therefore not good enough. As a result, feelings of shame, embarrassment, sadness and anger towards ourselves and others can arise.
When we really look into the response our bodies have when we compare in this way, we notice our body starts to slouch and we want to almost disappear out of sight. Along with this, our minds can create stories that are not real and therefore keep us in a state of “not good enough” and prevent us from taking any healthy action.
One of the ways to release ourselves from this suffering is to look at the inner dialogue that comes up and learn ways to meet it mindfully and with kindness. The last thing our “not good enough” dialogue needs is a harsh critique to put it in its place. It needs self-compassion, encouragement and support to find a way to release the beliefs that keep us stuck in a state of unworthiness.
Looking into suffering 