Stumbling Through Savannas Of Suffering

This morning I have been reflecting on the following quote by renowned Jungian psychoanalyst, James Hollis, Ph.D.:

“No matter how well intended we begin, sooner or later we all spend good portions of this journey stumbling through savannas of suffering, where in we nonetheless find tasks that, when addressed - even in those dismal, diminishing circumstances - enlarge us. Going through suffering, rather than denying or anesthetizing it, knowing that if we hang in there, it will bring us choices that can either enlarge us or diminish us, and that when we are least in control, we still retain the freedom of choosing what matters to us.”

When I step back and think deeply about this insightful quote, I am reminded of two things. First, as an old Buddhist saying states: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” When we are stumbling through savannas of suffering, we need to choose to show ourselves some love, kindness, and grace. We also need to remember our own strengths and talents. We also need to hang in there, and make choices that enlarge our capacity to act with integrity. 

Second, I am reminded of the following quote by the late Irish poet, author, and priest, John O’Donohue: “… the deepest things we have inherited have come down to us across the bridges of meaningful conversations.” When stumbling through savannas of suffering, I think it is important to make time and space for meaningful conversation over good food and/or good coffee. We need supportive, one to one connections. We also need community, where we remember that we are not the first, nor the last, of the people who have visited and stumbled through a savanna of suffering. 

There are days now where I believe Hollis’ quote should be read at the start of every meeting or pondered over breakfast once a week. Then, as his words seek deep into our heart, soul and mind, we will rekindle our inner strength to keep moving forward, step by step. For when we do this, and retain the freedom to choose, we will grasp this other insight from John O’Donohue: “A day is precious because each day is essentially the microcosm of your whole life. Each new day offers possibilities and promises that were never seen before.”

This week, and during all the coming weeks of summer, we need to find and embrace the new and precious possibilities and promises that are yet to be discovered and experienced in each new day. 

© Geery Howe 2026

Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change