You suffer because you try to fulfill yourself. You think of yourself in a limited way.

This quote speaks to the human condition of suffering, which, according to Lenz, arises from our attempts to fulfill ourselves. This fulfillment is often sought in the material world, through the attainment of wealth, status, relationships, or other external markers of success. However, these pursuits are grounded in a limited perception of ourselves, one that is confined to our physical existence and societal constructs.

What Lenz is suggesting is that we are more than our bodies, our careers, or our social roles. We are infinite beings, connected to a larger universe. When we limit our understanding of ourselves to these tangible aspects, we set ourselves up for suffering because these pursuits can never truly satisfy our deeper, spiritual needs. This suffering is a consequence of trying to fill a void that can’t be filled by material means.

Applying this idea in today’s world or in personal development means shifting our focus from external validation to internal growth and understanding. It means recognizing our interconnectedness with the universe and seeking fulfillment in this connection rather than in societal markers of success. This is not to say that material success is bad or unnecessary. Rather, it’s about understanding that such success is not the ultimate determinant of our worth or happiness.

In practical terms, this could mean spending time in introspection or meditation, seeking to understand ourselves on a deeper level. It could mean pursuing activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, regardless of their societal value. It could mean practicing gratitude for our existence and for the universe that sustains us. By doing so, we can begin to perceive ourselves in a broader way, reducing our suffering and increasing our sense of peace and fulfillment.