Flowers bloom and there they are, beautiful. And then they start to wilt. That is just the nature of things. Don't take it so personally. In this conversation, Pema Chodron speaks about aging with the same lightness and honesty she brings to everything. She makes a distinction that changes how the whole thing feels: the pain of aging is real and often unavoidable. The suffering is mostly optional. The suffering is the spin-off, the catastrophising, the poor me that gets layered on top of the actual experience. She knows because she has the same bad back and indigestion as everyone else. The difference is she has learned not to spin out about it. She also speaks about what she hopes her teaching adds up to for the people who have encountered it. Not a set of beliefs or a tradition. The capacity to expand rather than contract. To lean into what is difficult rather than pull back. To ask in any conversation, how can this soften rather than harden. As Chogyam Trungpa said: collaborate with reality rather than struggle against it. And she offers a blessing. When you are hurting, remember that others are hurting too. That same suffering, rather than driving you inward and making you more afraid, can be the very thing that opens you to your shared humanity. Want to go deeper with Pema Chodron? Join Sounds True One for more teachings like this. Get your first month FREE at https://bit.ly/4ctecMn Subscribe to Sounds True's YouTube Channel ► https://bit.ly/SubscribeSTYT Sounds True is a mission-driven learning and media company, and a recognized leader in wellbeing, personal growth, and spiritual transformation. Partnering with the world’s foremost wisdom teachers and best-selling authors, the company reaches millions worldwide with its unique programs, digital learning experiences, and worldwide events. The company also features a variety of original series, weekly shows, and live online experiences on Sounds True One, its global platform and community with members across more than 125 countries. Sounds True is a Public Benefit Corporation and also the home of the Sounds True Foundation. Connect with us: ▪️Facebook: http://bit.ly/2XFIIeE ▪️Instagram: http://bit.ly/2UlEoiH ▪️Website: http://bit.ly/2tOl02d