Q: So does that mean, even though they (the suffering?) exist in the mind, we have a choice in that moment how we let these moments affect us?

TODD ANSWERS: We definitely do have a choice, but there may also be unhealed trauma as well. For many, our trauma may be the cause of our awakening out of suffering. For others, awakening may be the cause for our trauma to heal. It’s a bit of the chicken/egg scenario, but how we consciously respond to fearful or painful thoughts is always choice when we we bring awareness to them.