Does it have to hurt so much?

Does waking up to reality always have to hurt so much? Haven't you asked yourself that question a thousand times? I know I have... I know I've thought countless times - why does it have to be like this? Why do we have to suffer so much in order to see what's really going on?

Is it because nothing else but serious suffering can slow us down enough and make us stop long enough and make us vulnerable enough to start to question the illusion. What else can make us stop? Really stop?  When we're feeling fine and singing and dancing and having success,  we just keep on charging ahead - buying into the illusion and all the glamour. That's just how we are... and you know as well as I do that this is the God honest truth.

But when we're down on our knees, praying and begging for mercy... well that's when the Light has a chance to break through and bless our miserable lives...  I sure as hell wish there was an easier way, but so far, I haven't found it...