The Burden of Inflexibility: Unpacking the Roots of Human Suffering

The topic of human suffering is an age-old enigma, explored through theological, social, and psychological lenses. Honest reflection and research reveal that suffering is a complex issue with no single cause. One significant contributor to human suffering is inflexibility.

According to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychological inflexibility lies at the core of human suffering. It refers to a rigid way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that limits a person's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly when dealing with stress or emotions. People who experience psychological inflexibility often avoid uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or situations, preventing them from aligning their actions with their values or addressing challenges effectively. 

For example, some may find it extremely difficult to accept the end of a relationship, clinging to someone who has clearly abused or exploited them. The inability to let go prolongs the emotional pain and leads to deeper suffering. Others may resist changing long-held political, cultural, or religious beliefs, even when faced with evidence of misconceptions or obsolescence, because the idea of questioning these ingrained assumptions feels frightening. In such cases, inflexibility leads to restricted living and intensified suffering.

While pain itself is unpleasant, it is often our resistance to change and unwillingness to adapt that deepens our suffering. Clinging to outdated thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or behaviors—long after it is time to let them go—creates unnecessary hardship.

By understanding the burden of inflexibility, we can begin to see how resistance to change amplifies our suffering. Life is inherently unpredictable, offering both joys and challenges that require us to adapt and grow. When we embrace psychological flexibility, we lighten this burden, allowing ourselves to respond to pain and adversity with greater wisdom and resilience. Letting go of rigidity fosters healing, growth, and deeper joy within the journey of life.

Notes

Stoddard, J. A. & Afari, N.  (2014). The big book of ACT metaphors: A practitioner’s guide to experiential exercises & metaphors in acceptance & commitment therapy. Anchor Books, p. 6.