Once I've heard a pretty fitting description that the whole affair with self-realization is basically going from, "What?!!!" to, "So, what... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯" I'd say that it nicely points to (perhaps) the biggest problem we as humans have -- self-importance.

https://senderspike.medium.com/kill-the-beast-30ab2cb9cc27

There is no good and bad, only causes and effects. Moreover, what has a solution is solvable. I see no problem with mitigating pain -- when my body aches and I've had enough of it, I more than gladly treat myself some ibuprofen. And if it does not work, the knowledge that the ordeal will end in one way or another (if nothing else) certainly alleviates a lot of unnecessary stress -- I've done all I could and that's enough. The rest is out of my hands, so to speak.

When it comes to actual decisions, that is, choosing a "solution" that does not make the whole situation even worse, there is a short interval (around 100-300 milliseconds on average, folks with quicker reflexes less) between incoming impulse and (habitual) response. There's where the "falling dominoes" can be stopped or redirected. One may say that that's where free choice lives.

As for understanding -- I, personally, like to go with answers that bring peace no matter how convenient, self-explanatory, etc. they may be. And by peace I mean a state that leaves me with the least amount of emotional agitation (it sort of feels just about right without resisting or affirmation). The answer may or may not turn out to be correct, but at least next time I'll know better. I may miss the mark even then, but if I survive, eventually I get it "right" and effortless peace is the "reward" :)