Are you caught in the exhausting loop of thinking life should feel better than it does right now? In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill explores the First Noble Truth—dukkha, the ordinary “itchiness” of life—and the four great lies that keep us stuck: that things should be different, that you need to fix things to feel better, that you’ll be happy when, and that there’s no way to be happy. Diana shares a modern take on the Four Noble Truths, describing a horizontal plane of ease and dis-ease and a vertical plane of resisting versus freedom, reminding us that resisting makes suffering worse and that freedom is available here and now. 

Listen and learn:

• How dukkha shows up in everyday life (like the “itchy sweater”)
• The four great lies that drive grasping, avoidance, and dissatisfaction
• Why resisting what is keeps you “below the line” in suffering
• The practice of telling the truth with “And this too”

Listen in, and if it resonates, share this episode with someone who’s stuck in the “it should be different” story.

Suggested Next Episode:

You can also enjoy Diana’s related Bonus Meditation: Dissatisfaction

Related Resources:

• Join Diana’s Wise Effort Community
• Subscribe to Diana’s Substack
• Order and Claim Bonuses from Diana’s new book Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most
• Learn from Diana at an upcoming event

About Dr. Diana Hill:

Dr. Diana Hill, a modern psychologist, international trainer, and expert on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is redefining what it means to live with vitality. As a leader in psychological flexibility, she empowers individuals to reclaim and focus their energy in meaningful, sustainable ways. Drawing from the most current psychological research and contemplative practices, Diana bridges science with real-life application to help people cultivate resilience and well-being. She is the host of the Wise Effort podcast and author of several books, including Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, I Know I Should Exercise But…, The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, and ACT Daily Journal. Her insights have been featured on NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Mindful, Woman’s World, Real Simple, The Wise Brain Bulletin, and Psychology Today, among others.Known for her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into practical, actionable steps, Diana makes personal growth accessible and inspiring.

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