Today I wanted to share tips that have helped me get through tough days. It’s not easy to remain calm and patient in difficult situations, but sometimes a little dose of reality can put things into perspective very quickly. Check out these five quick tips to think better today.
It really is temporary
It doesn’t matter if you’re an enlightened Monk or a blithering heathen that enjoys the occasional joint laced with hash. The truth of the matter is that life is temporary and so are the problems we face day to day.
I get a chuckle out of social media. Whatever is breaking news seems to, without provocation, infiltrate and tug at the emotions of the masses. The news that got most in an uproar last week is a distant memory. Now let me set the record straight. I’m in no way shape or form nullifying the need to be informed about the world, but most of the shit we worry about doesn’t affect us.
Energy is a precious commodity. Like time, it’s something that can only be realized and harnessed in the present. It’s become a personal practice to understand myself when a difficult situation presents itself. I see every situation for what it is and find resolve without the need to agonize and despair over it. I know my problems are temporary and whatever I’m feeling won’t bother me next week. I just deal with it and don’t let too many thoughts of yesterday seep into the new ones of today.
Contemplating death
We know we will die, but many still hold onto their problems as if it will exist forever. Steve Jobs, in his famous Stanford commencement speech said the following:
“Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make room for the new.”
When you put death into the intersection of any of life’s problems, they effortlessly fade away. When I’m faced with a crappy day, I ask myself, “If this were my last day, would I care about this?” The answer has always been a resounding no.
Removing Identity
Why remove identity? Does it scare you? Does it bother you that everything you are was a product of randomness? Labels like race, sex, and ethnicity are forms of tribalism. Despite the vast knowledge that today’s era brings, people still cling to identity as a means to label themselves. Do people really want freedom or do they want to be locked in the primordial cave of ignorance? There comes a time in life when you have to gather all the learned knowledge you acquired as a kid and chuck it in the trash. No one truly understands what they are. This type of thinking is the beginning stages of what I refer to as the Truth.
Give someone a compliment
Not only does it make you feel better, but it can brighten up the day for another. Characteristics such as giving, caring, and being loving are inherent in most people. We don’t have to search deep inside ourselves to be kind. I’ll make sure even an e-mail that leaves my inbox contains the greeting, “hope you’re well.” At the end of the day, we are all students of life and trying to make sense of it is an important curriculum of study that few take. Say something kind to someone and see what transpires.
Breathe
This is probably one of the most obvious yet neglected exercises people perform. Sitting cross legged with your eyes closed is not needed. If the beginning of your day is starting out not as expected, simply pause whatever you are doing, take a seat, and just take 10-20 deep breaths. Many times anxiety, worry, or anger build up is a consequence of not getting enough oxygen.
I hope these tips anchor you in the present or even better, just make you feel more carefree. Life is meant to be lived. It’s not that serious.
With Love,
Anand Swamy