Abstract
Three fundamental causes of human suffering have recently been described: abandonment of self, isolation, and loss of significance. Abandonment of self occurs in early childhood and results in the psychological abandonment of the true sense of self. Compensatory mechanisms attempt to recreate the illusion of wholeness throughout adulthood, but collapse in the face of serious illness or impending death. Most of what is now called suffering is in reality damage and loss of these compensatory mechanisms, and the pain of suffering is a result of the unmasking of the underlying incomplete sense of self. Interventions that encourage one to recall, experience, and integrate his or her deepest nature can facilitate emotional and psychospiritual healing. A more thorough understanding of suffering can provide new insight into the psychological growth and well-being that can occur at the end of life, and has the potential to positively impact the experience of dying.