Finding Space in a Chaotic World - Ralph De La Rosa

Finding Space in a Chaotic World - Ralph De La Rosa

From Don't Quit on Me by Nick C

December 24, 2025 · 35 min · Season 2 · Episode 19

About this episode

The episode explores the difference between pain and suffering in meditation, featuring insights from Ralph De La Rosa on navigating grief and seasonal challenges.

Welcome to this special holiday episode as we approach the end of 2025. As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on what we've been working through - both personally and professionally. Today, we explore a profound question that I have been working with this year: What is the difference between pain and suffering in meditation? Pain is the raw, unavoidable sensation - physical or emotional. Suffering, however, sometimes called the "second arrow": the mental resistance, stories, and bracing we add on top of pain. Meditation isn't about erasing pain; it's about letting go of the resistance to it. This insight is especially relevant during stressful times, whether it's a tight deadline at work or the anxiety before a big presentation. By practicing "Recognizing the narrative our minds create" we can learn to pause, notice these stories we're telling ourselves, and learn to sit with any sensations that present - without adding layers of judgment or worry. This time of year can be challenging for many, and I want to Honour that. In this episode, we revisit a heartfelt conversation from Christmas Day 2022 with the late, much-loved Ralph De La Rosa. Ralph's…

People in this episode

Host: Nick C

Guest: Ralph De La Rosa

Topics covered

  • meditation
  • grief
  • seasonal depression
  • mental health
  • pain and suffering
  • self-reflection

Keywords

  • meditation
  • grief
  • seasonal depression
  • pain
  • suffering
  • mental health
  • self-reflection

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