Boy-oh-boy!  I sure wish I knew the answer to this question as well!!  Isn't there an old saying that states something about making us stronger?

I can't wait to hear the replies.

I think you have to divide this into two parts, suffering we cause to ourselves and suffering that is beyond ourselves/out of our control. I think there are many cases where suffering is a choice almost, where we subject ourselves to situations and circumstances that bemoan us. For instance, there are instances of mental and emotional suffering/anguish that we put ourselves through, that are not necessary. Whether it is morning the loss of a loved one, or the mental anguish we put ourselves through because we may feel or think we are unloved or hated. This type of suffering I think is preventable.

The positive side to suffering is that it gets us to reevaluate ourselves to ask ourselves what is right and what is wrong with our lives, that we should hurt so much.

There is also suffering that is sometimes beyond our control, such as extreme physical pain. There are those yes, who are able to block such pain out, but many cannot. It is in those moments of weakness, that we often find strength, that we would not otherwise known to have exist. It is in those moments that we go to God/Allah/Great Spirit for help. In that moment we succumb, we can almost find peace.

Great answer! Allow me to lead you if you would, would you say that in the instances of suffering needlesly, that the suffering is a by product? Of what?

Great answer! Allow me to lead you if you would, would you say that in the instances of suffering needlessly, that the suffering is a by product? Of what?