Elements of a phenomenology of suffering
Professional suffering has emerged as a topic of discussion, and this demands research into practical and theoretical ways of grasping what is meant by “suffering” here. From this point of view, phenomenological practice aims to lead our attention back to the concrete phenomenon experienced by the suffering Self, approaching its intimate, living experience as closely as possible. This method involves suspension of judgment, the redirection of one’s thoughts, and eidetic variation, and allows us to obtain a form of knowledge which is different from that gained from objectivizing procedures. We describe some main features of phenomenal suffering, which include passivity, intertwining, and uncertainty. This is a “person-level” approach, one that may be of interest to those working in professions which deal with others, including caring professions, where it may help both with supporting the suffering of others, and resisting a growing level of professional suffering.
Keywords
- phenomenological practice
- alive experience
- suffering