The Four Voices

  In Mark Sullivan's "All the Glimmering Stars", the main character learns about four internal voices that contribute to individual suffering. They are rush, or impatience; violence, or justice and anger; lack, or desire; and fear, or doubt. Any time you are suffering by thoughts alone, one of these voices are likely playing in your head, like a recording you can't turn off. And that is why overthinking can be so hurtful. Whenever you catch yourself hearing them, tune them out.

 Rush is when we are multitasking, doing too much, not allowing enough time for the quality our life needs. When we do things fast, we can't be interrupted. We are quick to anger and likely to curse. We hold our breath as if locking it in time, trying to pause it so we can catch up. The cure for rush is a break, vacation, or a reduction in duties; but mostly patience.

 Violence is anger at perceived injustice, whether it is for the self or others. When something isn't fair, we seek balance by returning it to the universe, punishing those we believe deserve it. The cycle of revenge only generates more suffering, both for others and ourselves. We believe we've earned the right to harm because someone has harmed us or our loved ones. The cure for violence is self-control. Only restraint can transform an outburst into calmness.

 Lack is the voice you hear when you want something unattainable. You believe you need it to make you happy or complete. You can't live without it or you'll get nowhere. Pursuing the unattainable will lead to even more mental suffering. There's a saying that even when humans finally get what they want, they only want more, and this comes from lack. The cure for lack is moderation. Find the balance in everything, not the excess of anything.

 Fear is what prevents you from reaching your full potential. The voice of fear tells you you can't, you'll fail, nobody likes you. You won't try new things for fear of change or pain, but the thoughts fear generates already cause it. You'll never know what things are worth if you don't try them. Thus regret lives strong in the voice of fear. The cure for fear is belief. Things will be ok if you give them a chance by believing that even failure can teach you something.  Believe in yourself and others and you will feel more confident and trusting; and most importantly, open to the truth. 

 We cannot let these voices control our lives or cause us harm. Each can increase stress, which in turn can be a leading cause of disease. The fully realized, mentally healthy person does not let the voices make them hesitate. The opposite voices must be heard: patience, calmness, moderation, openness.