Why Suffer?
Religions explain why we suffer. Buddhism says that life is suffering and a cure exists ("Don't be attached"). Some claim that life is a test and that suffering is part of it. Others say that it's an illusion like everything else. Religions also provide ways to deal with it. And although their methods work somewhat, none are universal. If they were, everyone would belong to that religion, because all of us seek happiness and an end of suffering. It would be "The Answer."

Happiness, Spirit, and Soul
In human terms, happiness is the absence of suffering. When our bodies and minds aren't nagging us that something is wrong, then we feel at peace. Although people aren't usually at peace these days, it is the natural state of spirit. The spiritual body lacks the instinctual triggers and bio-chemicals that make humans miserable, so it can't suffer like we do. Some cultures, though, believe in hungry ghosts or tormented souls. If they do exist, then we need to redefine our multidimensional self. For example, some ancient religions believed that we have more than one spiritual aspect, like a spirit and a soul. In this case, spirit would be the one beyond suffering and we would identify with that.

Alternately, because humans are innately concerned about justice, we could have invented the idea of suffering souls. It assures us that although we see injustice in the world, God or some universal force will make the culprits answer for what they've done. Whatever the truth is, we have to pick "our truth" and take it on faith. (To have faith is to commit to a belief.) We can't turn to science for proof, because it can't measure the extremes of material reality much less the spiritual realm.

Yet Another Spiritual Technique
Everything is All Right is a psycho-metaphysical technique based on spiritual principles. It has five premises, and the first is that spiritual reality exists. Linked to this is the second, which says that we are an integrated and inseparable part of that reality.

The third premise defines a person's true identity as "his or her highest, individualized spiritual aspect": We are immortal spirits in constant communion with God. Although our physical self may be real, spirit is more real. The physical is a subset of the spiritual.

The fourth premise is that our true spiritual self is beyond fear and suffering. Here, we need to clarify a few things.

This idea contradicts most religious dogma. They claim that our spiritual self can suffer like we do. In the "Everything Is All Right" model, suffering can only happen in a finite setting. Spirit, though, dwells in infinity.

Second, this premise is not a nihilistic excuse to act irresponsibly. "If everything is all right, then I can do whatever I want." To think that it is, is to take it out of context. Concerning our actions, the big picture is that this reality is ethical, and we should do what is right.

Finally, this idea is not a substitute for common sense. For example, say you are sightseeing at the base of an erupting volcano. Lava is creeping towards you. You don't stand there thinking, "Everything is all right." You move out of the way.

The fifth premise is that psychological pain and discomfort manifest in the body.