Angst
A line I read a few years back has stayed with me. The words may be jumbled but I think the central message is correct. It goes : "Human beings are condemned to suffer". Most of our suffering is from reasons within. Philosophers across ages have been entreating people to look inwards as this is where most solutions can be found.
If one feels jealous about the achievements of a friend, look inward. Analyse why he or she went ahead of you and then either rejoice in their success or repair your shortcomings.
If you feel angst about not being able to afford the latest gadgets or apparel. Stop. Think a moment. Look around you. You would realise that you are far better off than most people around you. Humans have a psychological need to hanker for new gadgets. Most of these needs for social approval. Again look inwards and ask yourselves the question, "would a new shirt or sneakers or the latest iPhone really make you smarter or happier in the long run?" Happiness is momentary. It wears off as soon as the dopamine wears off.
If one feels bad about failing in business or about not getting a promotion. Think. Sit down for a moment. Analyse whether your business or work is in symmetry with your skill sets. If not, acquire new skills or change your business, profession or job. No amount of sulking is going to help. So you might as well take positive action.
If one feels burdened with family pressures, rest assured that you are not alone. Making a family work is a challenging task. Even more so in today's era as women are now liberated. They are no longer submissive and dependent on their husbands. Again, sit and think. Better still, do this with your spouse. Identify the reason of acrimony. Is it the in laws, house, finances, sexual preferences? This list can go on endlessly. But a solution can only be found through inward looking frank give and take.
No other animal has been cursed with the emotions which man has to endure. The only way forward is look inwards, look at the positives in any situation, do not sulk, do not hesitate, do not procrastinate. Take charge.
If one feels jealous about the achievements of a friend, look inward. Analyse why he or she went ahead of you and then either rejoice in their success or repair your shortcomings.
If you feel angst about not being able to afford the latest gadgets or apparel. Stop. Think a moment. Look around you. You would realise that you are far better off than most people around you. Humans have a psychological need to hanker for new gadgets. Most of these needs for social approval. Again look inwards and ask yourselves the question, "would a new shirt or sneakers or the latest iPhone really make you smarter or happier in the long run?" Happiness is momentary. It wears off as soon as the dopamine wears off.
If one feels bad about failing in business or about not getting a promotion. Think. Sit down for a moment. Analyse whether your business or work is in symmetry with your skill sets. If not, acquire new skills or change your business, profession or job. No amount of sulking is going to help. So you might as well take positive action.
If one feels burdened with family pressures, rest assured that you are not alone. Making a family work is a challenging task. Even more so in today's era as women are now liberated. They are no longer submissive and dependent on their husbands. Again, sit and think. Better still, do this with your spouse. Identify the reason of acrimony. Is it the in laws, house, finances, sexual preferences? This list can go on endlessly. But a solution can only be found through inward looking frank give and take.
No other animal has been cursed with the emotions which man has to endure. The only way forward is look inwards, look at the positives in any situation, do not sulk, do not hesitate, do not procrastinate. Take charge.
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