In our lives, ‘inner peace’ signifies more than mere rest; it’s a crucial safeguard that minimizes errors and enables us to make the most rational decisions when faced with complex challenges. Just as a poorly constructed building crumbles easily, decisions made in haste destabilize both the process and the outcome.
Not long ago, I launched a blog with the ambitious goal of “one post a day.” However, this resolution soon became a self-imposed pressure. On days when time was scarce, I’d sacrifice sleep to type away, and the resulting articles were hastily written and lacked substance. It was then that I realized: just as good writing demands sufficient thought and revision—a “time” for contemplation—our lives too require the essential space of “inner peace.”
So, what exactly are these elements that erode our precious inner peace, relentlessly driving us into a state of urgency? By delving deep into and defining these disruptive forces, we can finally gain the power to break free from their influence.
1. Greed: The Whip of ‘Faster, More’
Upon quiet introspection, I found that the greatest force pushing me into haste was ‘greed.’
- The desire to finish tasks faster than others.
- The eagerness to arrive at a meeting place before anyone else.
- The longing for recognition of my skills and achievements.
- Even the small desire to be the first to taste delicious food…
While greed can be a catalyst for growth, it becomes a detriment when it spirals out of control, preventing us from truly being present. It makes us chase the sweet taste of results instead of the joy of the process, constantly pushing us towards “somewhere in the future” rather than “here and now.”
2. Anxiety: The Shadow of an Unwritten Future
If greed is the yearning for future acquisition, anxiety is the fear of future loss.
- “What if there’s an earthquake tomorrow?” (Anxiety about safety)
- “What if the stock market drops further?” (Anxiety about financial loss)
- “What if a typhoon hits on our travel departure day?” (Anxiety about disrupted plans)
- “What if a colleague gets promoted before me?” (Anxiety about falling behind socially)
An interesting point is that a significant portion of this anxiety stems from ‘greed.’ The desire not to lose what we currently possess, or the ambition not to fall behind others, intensifies the shadow of anxiety.
3. External Noise: The Amplifier of Others’ Words and Opinions
While greed and anxiety primarily originate within, ‘external noise’ acts as an amplifier, intensifying these emotions and even fabricating new ones.
Imagine, for instance, someone discreetly approaching you and whispering, “Your colleague A seems to be trying to get promoted ahead of you, talking to everyone.” In that very moment, it’s hard to prevent a nascent sense of rivalry and a wave of anxiety from stirring within you, even if they weren’t there before.
The countless misunderstandings and unfounded rumors that arise in human relationships test our equanimity. Some become anxious and restless because of them, while others might fall into a trap of baseless arrogance. Thus, external stimuli are the most unpredictable variables that, regardless of our will, can shake our inner peace.
Conclusion: Defining Disruptors and Building Your Own Shield
Inner peace is not a given; it is a precious asset that must be consciously guarded. Simply recognizing whether what’s unsettling us is greed, anxiety, or the opinions of others, can prevent us from becoming slaves to our emotions.
To remain undisturbed by trivial gains and losses (一喜一憂) is not to shut down all emotions, but rather a commitment not to surrender the reins of our life to external stimuli and internal desires. Why not start practicing by identifying what made your mind restless today, calling it by its name, and establishing a healthy distance between it and yourself? These small efforts will accumulate, forming a robust shield for your mind that won’t easily crumble in any situation.
“We should be better for our children.” 👍
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