Intensify it. Open to it and let it be big in your mind. - Rick Hanson

First darts are unpleasant to be sure. But then we add our reactions to them. These reactions are “second darts” — the ones we throw ourselves. Most of our suffering comes from second darts.

Stress reduces serotonin, probably the most important neurotransmitter for maintaining a good mood. When serotonin drops, so does norepinephrine, which has already been diminished by glucocorticoids.

Suffering has clear causes in your brain and body, so if you change its causes, you’ll suffer a lot less. And you can change those causes.