Episode 201

Dissatisfied: The First Noble Truth and Four Great Lies that Follow

Published on: 25th May, 2026

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

Get enhanced show notes for this episode

Diana's Events

Connecting With Diana

Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.

All Episodes Previous Episode
Get the latest Wise Effort information!

Get the latest Wise Effort information!

Gain the wisdom and skills to help you put your energy into the life you want to live. I’m ready to help you get there.

    Listen for free

    Show artwork for The Wise Effort Show

    About the Podcast

    The Wise Effort Show
    The Science and Practice of Putting Your Energy Where It Matters Most
    The Wise Effort Show with Dr. Diana Hill is a show about how to live wisely.

    You’ll learn how to put your energy into places that matter most to you while making a difference in the world.

    This show is for you if:
    ...you’re a high achiever feeling burned out from tasks that don’t matter.
    ...you want to invest your energy in fulfilling and sustainable ways.
    ...you seek holistic living without the pressure of a rigid wellness checklist.
    ...you care about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
    ...you appreciate science but are open to exploring spirituality and contemplative practices.
    ...you have an open, beginner’s mind.
    ...you believe there’s a better way to live and are ready to apply your wisdom.

    We don’t have to burn ourselves out or engage in things that are not worth it. We can put our energy where it matters most and savor the good along the way.

    Join us at the Wise Effort Show!

    About your host

    Profile picture for Diana Hill

    Diana Hill

    Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, and the upcoming book Wise Effort, Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives.

    Integrating her over 20 years of meditation experience with yoga and psychological training, Diana guest teaches at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education, Yoga Soup and Insight Timer Meditation. She is on the board for the Institute for Better Health, and blogs for Psychology Today and Mindful.org. Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two boys and bee guardian. Go to drdianahill.com or her channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (@drdianahill) to learn more.