try meditation. contrary to what we’re taught from birth, you CAN decide for yourself how you feel. it takes a lot of self-deprogramming, but it’s worth the effort. that freedom, and the realization that this might be the only thing in life you DO have control over–the control you think you have over everything else is just an illusion. and that’s fine
I work in mental health and have found that in general, people hate this concept. People can have difficulty tolerating the idea that they have any control over their internal experience, because the implication is that they are at least partially responsible for their negative thoughts and emotions. A lot of people will cling like crazy to blaming external factors for their condition in order to protect their ego (though not a conscious process).
The reality is the only person who has control over your internal experience is you, and research shows time and again that people’s level of contentment is only partially correlated to factors like income and quality of life, because everyone gets to decide for themselves how to think and feel if they decide to.
we’re conditioned to hate this concept by capitalism. “you cannot just be happy don’t be ridiculous. you need to BUY STUFF in order to be happy, otherwise you’re doomed to misery 100% forever.” it’s deeply woven into the fabric of our whole culture, where we’re comparing ourselves to everyone else all day every day.
so yea. we’re taught to hate the idea that peace, happiness, contentment, etc can come from within, rather than having to “obtain” it externally (usually involving cash exchange). once this notion is thrown out the window, life becomes much simpler, smoother, less stressful
you need to BUY STUFF in order to be happy, otherwise you’re doomed to misery 100% forever.
Most people need to work their 2nd or 3rd job to make rent and pay the bills. Which leaves little room for internal exploration, self actualization, or connection to a wider community.
try meditation. contrary to what we’re taught from birth, you CAN decide for yourself how you feel. it takes a lot of self-deprogramming, but it’s worth the effort. that freedom, and the realization that this might be the only thing in life you DO have control over–the control you think you have over everything else is just an illusion. and that’s fine
I work in mental health and have found that in general, people hate this concept. People can have difficulty tolerating the idea that they have any control over their internal experience, because the implication is that they are at least partially responsible for their negative thoughts and emotions. A lot of people will cling like crazy to blaming external factors for their condition in order to protect their ego (though not a conscious process).
The reality is the only person who has control over your internal experience is you, and research shows time and again that people’s level of contentment is only partially correlated to factors like income and quality of life, because everyone gets to decide for themselves how to think and feel if they decide to.
we’re conditioned to hate this concept by capitalism. “you cannot just be happy don’t be ridiculous. you need to BUY STUFF in order to be happy, otherwise you’re doomed to misery 100% forever.” it’s deeply woven into the fabric of our whole culture, where we’re comparing ourselves to everyone else all day every day.
so yea. we’re taught to hate the idea that peace, happiness, contentment, etc can come from within, rather than having to “obtain” it externally (usually involving cash exchange). once this notion is thrown out the window, life becomes much simpler, smoother, less stressful
Most people need to work their 2nd or 3rd job to make rent and pay the bills. Which leaves little room for internal exploration, self actualization, or connection to a wider community.