09/04/2024
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE (in one page).
Anyone who perceives their life remotely objectively must inevitably answer two questions. The first is WHO AM I?, and the second is, WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO BE TRULY HAPPY?
Why is there always, even in so called “beautiful moments”, an inner feeling of unease, anxiety, fear, and even guilt. Possibly this is because we know these moments cannot last. Possibly it is an inner belief we are often not worthy enough, or possibly we are simply uncertain, that who we are, really matters. So we cycle between the two fundamental questions, trying hard to “WORK THEM OUT”.
In attempting to define identity, and what is the answer to being happy, we seek in every corner of our being, while reaching for every external goal imaginable, without ever reaching a conclusion. In fact as we get older, in all fairness, we are often further from the TRUTH, than when we started.
What I really want then, is to understand, and practice a way of life that despite seeming circumstances is based on living from MY TRUE SELF, and to be HAPPY, in every moment, as if that is my birthright, and nothing else makes any sense.
The simple fact is, that the FREEDOM, PEACE of MIND, and CERTAINTY, that arises from within, is our birthright, and if it is not working somehow, then this should be viewed as feedback, that something needs to change, to regain it.
In my experience the biggest blocks to experiencing what I truly want are;
- Trying to hard.
- Taking my thoughts way to seriously.
- Feeling my emotions are to be avoided, (especially negative ones).
- Not questioning my beliefs near enough.
- Fear of taking action.
Anxiety, Stress, Depression, and Procrastination, arise because we defend a path that cannot work, and refuse to give it up. This need not be. The power to change anything is not difficult, once we become both willing and determined to do so.
In fact we have four of the most powerful tools within us to do this;
- Mind (the power of thought)
- Heart (the power of emotion)
- Breath (the power of belief)
- Energy (the power of focus)
Harnessing these tools, and using them all, makes anything possible.
Elite athletes, or indeed anyone who achieves lofty goals, many of us believe unachievable, use these tools. However the tools must be used together, each one reinforcing the other to be effective. For example, I find that each one on their own, is bound to be misused. Taking the power of thought as an example, which is the most common go-to for solving problems, leads to people describing over-thinking, and procrastination. The power of thought is balanced and problem solving easy, if we harness the other tools as well.
Anyone can do this. I wish your journey to lead to all that you imagine.
Eddie Barnett
Integral Psychologist
www.creativewellbeing.co.nz
Being healthy is a holistic endeavour involving feeling physically well, stress free and enjoying fulfilling relationships.