A Letter to Neale

Reader Question:

Dear Neale:..In your books God states that we need nothing. It's a wonderful idea. When we need nothing then we are truly free of cares and anxiety. We have peace of mind. But is it realistic?

Yes, I can see how we need nothing to exist. Life continues forever. I have no fear of death. From all accounts death is a wonderful experience. But there are many more horrible things than death like slowly starving and living homeless, which you've had experience with.

How can we gain that wonderful feeling of needing nothing when we know that the body needs certain things in order to avoid suffering?

Ned

Neale Responds

Dear Ned, Settle for needing "almost nothing."

Obviously, an argument can be made (you've just made it) for humans needing certain things in order to avoid suffering. But how much? That is the question. How much do we really need? Looking closely at this question can give you a brand new perspective on life. It can change your perception of your daily experience.

So settle for needing "almost" nothing, Ned, and don't fall into the temptation to debate over small points.

I would also add this, Ned: "Suffering" and "pain" are not the same thing. Pain is on objective experience of physical and/or emotional discomfort. Suffering is your thought about it. If you are okay with whatever pain you are having, if you are at peace with it, so to speak, you will not suffer. You will experience the pain, yet it will not have to be "suffered," but only experienced. The two are not the same thing. Ask any woman who has joyfully given birth.

Many blessings,