The four noble truths can be used in several ways. One of them is as an analytical tool. "1: There is suffering, dukkha. Dukkha should be understood. Dukkha has been understood." The first NT is very much about acceptance and objectivity or approach to the suffering at hand. Everything becomes much easier to approach and deal with if thought of as "objects". So you have to approach suffering at first and accept its presence. Then you need to investigate the suffering, to determine what it´s all about. Without this knowledge, there is only little you can do about the suffering. Last is the realisation of having understood what there is to understand of the suffering. If you go through the process half-heartedly, it won´t be working very efficiantly. You might sometimes realise during the process, that there are some elements that you have forgotten, and you simply go back to this first step and go over the analysis again. "2: The Second Noble Truth with its three aspects is: ‘There is the origin of suffering, which is attachment to desire. Desire should be let go of. Desire has been let go of.’" Here we start working. First we need to choke the desire, which is the cause of the suffering. From the previous analysis, we know exactly which desire(s) that needs to be handled. Now it is not only the desire itself that needs to be let go of, but everything let has to do with the desire as well. The attitude we have towards the object of desire, will change to a more neutral stance. Instead of wanting it, it is changed to an acceptance of not having it, and feeling good about it too. This can be quite a long process to go through. Often several objects and desires can be linked, and every single one of them needs to be dealt with. A good idea is to make a graphical chart as you discover new objects and desires, so you don´t get lost in yourself. Then you use the chart to cross out the objects and desires as they are handled. This is also very motivational. The last part about "Desire has been let go of" is a confirmation, which is really important. A half removed desire is very likely to grow again and come back in full strength. If the desire is still there, there is more work to do. Áll in all - it´s a very entertaining process. Now I guess you have an idea of how it works. In addition to the practise, you need also to constantly be aware of not creating new suffering along the way, which is why a preventive method was set up - a preventive lifestyle, so to speak. The Eightfold path is the outer structure of this preventive lifestyle. If followed correctly, it will "protect" you from new suffering along the path.