Let it come, let it be, let it go.

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Distress tolerance is the ability to manage and tolerate distressing emotions or situations without becoming overwhelmed. The lower a person's tolerance for distress, the worse they feel. Hating lousy stuff only makes it worse! On the flip side, increasing your tolerance for distress can actually make you happier.

There is a story in the Buddhist scriptures that recounts when the Buddha was sitting under the Bodhi tree before his enlightenment. Before he found peace, he had to battle and overcome the ten armies of Mara. The armies of Mara are temptations, discomforts, and distractions. By tolerating the distress Mara unleashed on him, he finally found his peace.

The armies of Mara are a metaphor for all the lousy things we, too, must face in life. Handling discomforts and difficulties with more equanimity provides significant psychological and emotional benefits. Such as improved coping skills, reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased self-confidence, greater emotional regulation, and improved relationships.

All that said, there may be times when you need some support. By all means, get it. But at the same time, work to build your distress tolerance. Yes, it takes time and effort, but the benefits are significant and long-lasting. If you want doable practices that build distress tolerance, contact me. I'd be happy to share them with you. May you live with ease!

Wishing you health, happiness, and abundance,

Mark